Then, in week five, Diane got sick.
For two days, she coughed and sniffled and blew her nose. Tissues everywhere. On the end table. In the couch cushions. On the bathroom sink.
“It’s just a little cold,” she insisted. “Don’t fuss.”
I didn’t fuss. I made chicken soup.
And I pointed at the ladle.
And ten minutes later, she was stirring it with the spoon she’d just had in her mouth.
And Mark walked in and asked her those two questions. And said “Okay.”
After that, I took the whole pot of soup and poured it down the garbage disposal.
Six hours of work. Down the drain.
Noah had peanut butter and jelly for dinner.
That night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Mark came in after brushing his teeth. He turned off the lamp.
Then he rolled over and whispered in the dark.
“Don’t worry. I know how to stop this. Be in the kitchen tomorrow morning.”
I wanted to ask what he meant.
I wanted to ask him why it took five weeks.
But I was so tired. And I thought, maybe. Maybe tomorrow I won’t have to explain the same thing again.
So I didn’t ask anything.
I just let him turn out the light.
At seven-thirty the next morning, I was standing at the kitchen counter with my coffee.
Diane was sitting at the kitchen table in her robe, sniffling into a tissue, reading something on her iPad.
And Mark came in from the hallway carrying a breakfast tray.
A real one. The white wooden one with the little fold-out legs that we got as a wedding present and never use.
On top of it was a big shiny silver dome. The kind they use in fancy hotels. I didn’t even know we owned one.
He set the tray down in front of his mother with a little flourish.
“What’s this?” Diane asked.
“I thought I’d take care of my mom for once,” Mark said. “Since you’re sick.”
Diane beamed.
She actually put her hand on her heart.
“Oh, Mark. Aren’t you sweet.”
She lifted the silver lid.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.