She searched for the right word. Hostility? No, that wasn’t right. Indifferent? She’d once read that the opposite of love wasn’t hate at all, but indifference. Was that what she felt? It was hard to say.
She listened to him in the shower singing his same old shower song. Skylark, have you anything to say to me? He would hum the rest while he shaved. How many times had she heard this? A thousand? More?
She sat on the bed, ran the fabric through her fingers. The silk trim was much nicer than anything he would have bought for her.
It’s not going to be a pleasant conversation, but it needs to happen.
This is the tragedy of most real love stories, they end not with tragedy but with indifference. So well done Josh. Great story
Nicely observed
Indifference indeed portrayed by her listening to him sing the same old song as worn out as she is.
Lovely, layered and sad. Well, sad for him. And hard for her, I’m sure.
I would have hoped she’d bought it for herself, except for the title. He’s not going to like this talk. But then, one day she just might hear a bar of Skylark and regret this day.
I always said that once you read the stage of indifference, there is no going back. Hate is an emotion; indifference, you just don’t care anymore.
Well done.
They do need that conversation and maybe a bit of time apart. I’m a believer in the possibility of rekindling dead emotions though. Have known divorced couples to remarry even.
I think love often does turn to indifference rather than hate. Things seem to just peter out.
I’m wondering if she bought the silky item for herself or if there’s someone else in the mix…
Actually, I suspect that there are plenty of long lasting marriages where the couple has drifted apart and lead individual lives, only occasionally intersecting.
Dear Josh,
All too true to life. Well written as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I think you’re right. The opposite of love is indifference. Too bad that their relationship is failing. An eloquent piece here.
Ouch! Guess he might react with a shrug when she tells him that it’s not working out anymore. The last line was brilliant. Good one, JHC
A good description of a failing relationship. I like the irony of the shower song’s words; you chose them carefully, I’m sure. Too late for that couple I fear.
You set a beautifully tragic scene. The normality of it makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Agreed. The opposite of love is apathy—indifference. You’ve shown it clearly here.
Great atmosphere, I feel trapped in the same-old with her, time to break out. Indifference is so much better than hatred, especially when children are involved.