You Know It

Gordon refused to acknowledge the accusations Heather levied against him.

"It's you who's been sabotaging this relationship from the very beginning, not me."

"See, you're doing it again. You turn everything around. You know it, too." She was so angry, she was nearly choking on her tears. Heather always started crying whenever they got in an argument. To gain the upper hand. And he was sick of it.

"If you're so unhappy then let's just break up." Whenever he threatened ending everything, Heather immediately calmed down. She was scared of being alone and she knew it.

"I agree. We're through."

To Delete, Or Not to Delete

To delete, or not to delete, that is the question. Kurt stares at the highlighted name on his phone, and his finger hovers indecisively over the button that will erase Karen from his life forever. Eyes closed, he breathes deeply. Deleting would be the right thing to do, considering the misery she’s caused him. On the other hand, she was the source of some incredible moments in his life. Maybe she’ll come to her senses someday, he thinks. Maybe this isn’t quite the end. He opens his eyes, backs out of the directory, and leaves her there. Just in case.

From Guest Contributor Dan Slaten

The Stakes

They sat across from each other at their favorite restaurant and it seemed everything was at stake.

She fussed with her rings and he rubbed at his tattoo and they said everything except the truth of their despair. It was easy to pretend their worlds were crumbling into ruins when what they really needed to say was that life had become a burden. It would be easier on their own but each wanted the other to blame and so they spun their lies into spit and tears until they realized nothing was at stake any longer except their favorite restaurant.

Her Biggest Regret

She had an ex-boyfriend named Carl. She regretted him more than those leather pants or that weekend trip to Trenton. He was her worst mistake in a lifetime of blunders.

Carl still stalked her intermittently. She always knew when he was nearby because of the hamburger wrappers in her stairwell. These occasions should probably have frightened her more than they did, but she knew Carl was essentially harmless. He had a hard time with letting go.

Years later she realized that she had never actually broken up with Carl. He wasn't stalking her. He simply thought they were still dating.