Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

1
N A T
“I
’m sorry. I just can’t do this anymore. It’s
obvious I’m the only one trying.”
The voice on the other end of the line is somber. I know
Chris is telling me the truth. He really is sorry it isn’t working
out between us. But it’s not a surprise. I knew this was
coming. If only I could work up enough energy to care.
If that were the case, however, we wouldn’t be in this
situation.
“Okay. I get it. I guess I’ll see you around, then.”
In the short pause that follows, he goes from sorry to
annoyed. “That’s it? That’s all you’re gonna say? We’ve been
dating for two months and all I get is ‘see you around?’”
He wants me to be upset, but I’m actually relieved.
Though of course I can’t say that out loud.
Standing at my kitchen sink, I look out the open window to
the small, fenced yard beyond. Outside, it’s bright and sunny
with a crisp sniff of fall in the air, a typical September day in
Lake Tahoe.
Perfect time of year to get married.
I shove that unwelcome thought aside and refocus on the
conversation. “I don’t know what else you want me to say.
You’re the one who’s breaking up with me, remember?”
“Yeah, and I would’ve thought you’d have more of a
reaction than that.” His tone turns dry. “Guess I should’ve
known better.”