Alone Again

She ambled along the path to the lake, soaking in the lovely spring day, walking alone, but enjoying the tranquillity of the gentle breeze and the smell of pine from the trees. She needed some peaceful reflection after the break-up.

Brad never wanted to reflect on anything, always engrossed in work, work, work. She felt ignored, especially lately, like he barely noticed her. That’s why she planned this getaway, but it fell apart from the beginning…

The fuss he made coming to the cabin. She barely got him into the car. At least he was quiet on the drive. From the start, he spoiled the whole weekend retreat.

And now he was gone. It had only been a couple of hours, but she missed him already.

Oh, Brad, why did you have to treat me like that?

She loved him from the moment she saw him, with that wonderful smile, those kind eyes. Being near him made her feel so safe. Yet, he turned out like all the rest.

Men were so mean. 

Denying he knew her. Or that he loved her. Yelling for her to untie him. Brad even pretended not to know her name. 

After all she did for him, all he meant to her. 

She showed him her journals, where she detailed all their encounters. The day he casually brushed past her in the street, touching her sleeve. The numerous times they stood together in line at his favourite coffee shop. All those nights she watched him through his windows. She reminded him of other things, too. Hadn’t she arranged that accident for his work rival? Scared off that slut who flirted with him? She bared her heart and declared her love.

He looked at her as if she was insane. That hurt. 

Why couldn’t he see it?

They were meant to be together. They had a connection. The cabin was supposed to be the start of their future. He was supposed to be the one. Yet Brad rejected her, after all the weeks they spent together. Men always rejected her, no matter how hard she tried to please them.

I never want to hurt them, but I get so angry… She sighed. They’re the ones that make me do the awful things.

She chose a knife this time. Brad sneered when she picked it up and threatened him. Sneered until she slashed him. Then he cursed at her, called her awful names, and threatened to go to the police. She couldn’t let him do that, so she started stabbing.

That’s when he screamed, and I saw the fear in his eyes. I always see the fear at the end.

She sighed. She never enjoyed remembering the break-ups. Always so messy.

I suppose I better head back. There’s still a lot of work to do. Bodies don’t dispose of themselves.

~ A. F. Stewart

© Copyright 2023 A. F. Stewart. All Rights Reserved.