Disaster

He somehow managed to pack his clothes, boots, cigarettes, and some crackers all into his duffle bag, placing it on the front porch. He went inside to say goodbye to her; he was leaving to Seattle that same morning and made arrangements to stay with a friend. Going to clear his head, he had said to her. He kissed her forehead and placed his hands on her hips. He needed to do this, for the sake of their marriage. All they do is argue about even the littlest things like him not placing the coffee spoons in the sink but the counter. They once argued about who didn’t shut the screen door at night. He slept on the couch for that one.

 

She looked away from him as he kissed her cheeks. Call me if there’s anything… her voice was shaky. She loved him, there was no doubt, but they were fighting too much and maybe being apart was a good thing for the both of them.

 

He nodded and kissed her forehead again, then turned to walk out the door.  She followed behind. Nothing really needed to be said, everything was clear. He was leaving, god knows for how long, but that time away from each other would help heal their broken souls.

 

He packed up his truck and opened his door. He turned to look at her for a moment and finally, got in. His truck rumbled as he made his way down the dirt pathway leading up to the road. He was on his way.

 

She watched him go, and saw him disappear as he turned the corner. She saw the tracks from his tires left behind as the dust settled. She opened the screen door and sat down at the round kitchen table. She cupped her hands around the still warm cup of coffee he had earlier. Off in the distance she could hear sirens, wailing and crying in the distance. Perhaps it was going to tend a burning fire that has been sustained too long.