The End (750 Word Challenge)

The End (750 Word Story)

Story Description:

That was quick!

Submitted for the 750 Word Story Challenge

Story:

"Honey, why is your phone password protected?" Eugene Gresham casually asked as he strolled into the kitchen where his wife Aurora was preparing dinner for their family of four.

Aurora, who had her back to him as she stirred whatever was in the pot on the stove, gave a subtle flinch. As was her habit, she gave the wooden spoon a couple of gentle taps on the edge of the pot before placing it on the counter.

Eugene noticed a pause for a couple of seconds before Aurora turned to face him.

"Oh, Gene, I forgot to mention that to you. It's a work thing..."

"A work thing, when did you start using your phone for work?"

Another pause, another flinch, and a furtive glance at the ground before Aurora responded while wringing her hands together. Up until that very moment Eugene hadn't wanted anything but to use her phone to order something through their joint Prime account. Now, however, he was keenly interested in her response.

An obviously upset Aurora snapped at Eugene. "What do you care? Why do you want it, are you spying on me?" When she saw the look that came across Eugene's face, she instantly knew she had seriously fucked up with her response.

Before Eugene could speak, Aurora blurted out. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Honey." She stumbled on her words for a bit before carrying on. "It's been a bad day at the office, I'm just tired." She seemed pleased with her recovery and spoke more confidently. "It's not for work, it's because I don't want anyone using it. I sometimes leave it on my desk and..."

"That's fine, what's the code? I want to order something really quick and mine, is charging."

Eugene watched as his wife's countenance suddenly changed. He knew she was thinking hard about what to say next. Eugene was a bit philosophical in his life, so he immediately recognized this was a seminal moment in what had previously been a good marriage. He wondered if Aurora would consider that before she answered. Eugene believed that one's life was simply made up of an endless stream of 'moments in time.' Some would seem innocuous, others extraordinary, but they all affected what happened in the next moment.

The die was cast. Aurora snapped at him. "That's my property, you're invading my privacy!" She almost choked and Her eyes began to water.

"What the hell, Aurora?" A truly shocked Eugene responded.

"Give me my phone, now!" In a panic, she screamed her demand.

"No! Give me the damn code." Eugene responded, stone-faced. His mind quickly calculated what the problem could be. True, it could've been a really shitty day that had put her in a foul mood. Maybe she was just lashing out because he was a convenient target. But he couldn't get passed Aurora's body language and evasiveness. He couldn't believe how fast it all happened.

"That's my private property; you have no right..."

"Actually, Aurora, its community property, it belongs to both of us. Give me the code..."

She decided to switch tactics. "Honey, you're misunderstanding me. I can't give it to you. I made a promise to someone..."

Aurora's last comment broke something inside of him. "You mean someone more important than your husband?" He pleaded. They stood staring at each other for a prolonged time. Aurora was desperately thinking of ways to stop the train wreck her life had become. Eugene on the other hand was destroyed by the finality of it all.

"Please, Gene, I'm begging you. Give me my phone. Please." She sobbed. "If our family, if our life together means anything to you, hand me my phone." He didn't respond

"Gene, I can tell you this much. It's not what you're thinking. You have to believe me."

Fifteen minutes later, as Eugene was packing his bags, Aurora stood in the doorway of their bedroom. With her mind racing, she silently watched him for a few minutes before speaking. "Eugene, do you trust me?" No answer. "Gene, please you have to trust me..."

He looked up at her. "I used to, Aurora, but no longer. There's an old saying, 'trust takes years to develop, but only a few seconds to destroy.' I'll find an attorney and hopefully we can make our divorce amicable for the kids' sake." He anxiously zipped up his suitcase and walked out with Aurora begging with him from behind.

"Eugene, I need...my phone..."

"No. I'll eventually figure the code out."