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             He was an interesting man only to himself and his two young daughters. She didn’t care anymore about his whereabouts after work. In the beginning, she use to worry about his safety. But when he got into bed always smelling “that way” she realized worry and anxiety were not the emotions she should be feeling.

            And so, she went on to anger. But when he returned home always smelling “that way” she realized anger and resentment were not the emotions she should be feeling.

            And so, she settled on feeling nothing at all. So, when he returned always smelling “that way” it didn’t bother her anymore.

            That particular night something must have happened. He slid into bed, still smelling “that way,” but he whispered in her ear, “I love you.” He pushed further and kissed her on the cheek. He felt for her breasts and brought his leg over her thigh, trying to hug and cuddle with her. But she just moved closer to the edge of the bed, unafraid of falling off, and let out a fake snore.

            She felt that the girl tonight was different. Maybe she was younger, nice, naïve. Perhaps this was the last night of her vacation. The young woman must’ve felt uneasy and guilty after he told her about his family. Maybe he even whispered in her ear, “I’m a married man,” as he entered her. When it was all over maybe the young woman asked, “Are you happily married?” And to mask his regret and betrayal he said, “Yes.” Yes, she must’ve been a different, young woman.

            She prayed. Little did the different, young woman know that her husband had AIDS.

by Marlena Elmore © 2012