Movie Night, by Mark Tulin – Friday Flash Fiction
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Movie Night, by Mark Tulin
3/7/2020
It was our regular movie night at the mall. While standing in line, concealing our snacks from the ushers, Marla blurted out that she wanted a divorce.
The whole world stopped. People in line got quiet and turned to look.
I was too upset to cry.
“For all that I’ve done for you?” was all I could say.
“It’s not about you,” Marla said, bawling at the ticket window.
“Two for The Express,” I told the gum-popping cashier.
When the cashier asked for twenty dollars, I instinctively went for my wallet, then hesitated, not sure I should go in.
Wow. What a punch!
To the gut. I think women are the first ones to know if a marriage or relationship isn’t working.
“Two for The Train Wreck, please”. Maybe movie night at the mall is a sign of staleness, and too much routine. Maybe she never gets to pick the movie? that movie got terrible ratings, but it seems like a rather extreme reaction.
Great title!! Yes, I agree, Robert. What was needed was more chick flicks, and perhaps a different mall with better sticky buns.