SHORT STORIES

The Grocery Shop

I left the store with a bag full of groceries, worrying if it was enough for the week.

Getting into the car wasn't as easy as it once was before, now the handle was loose and the door would occasionally jam, but after a few revs of the engine i was strolling down the highway.

Music had always made me feel better about my situation, especially the loud and messy music that had me screaming along to the lyrics. Today was no exception as i screamed along over the heavy drums and electric guitar.

I rolled my eyes while pulling my vehicle to a halt with the roadwork's flashing sign reflecting my windshield screen. The sound of construction and beeping cars in a rush to go nowhere, inhibiting my enjoyment to my music.

This was just not my day, I thought.

My fingers tapped the steering wheel and my legs shook with impatience.

Finally, I thought as the cars trudged forward in a walking pace, eventually quickening to a reasonable pace and had me back on the road to home.

The sun melted under the horizon as I started to come closer to my abode, making me realise the time and how long I had actually been out.

The cars headlights lit up the driveway with its bright tinge of yellow, and i swiftly turned off the car so I wouldn't wake up my son.

The front doors keys clanged together as I shuffled them into the keyhole in the dark, and quickly i closed and relocked the heavy wooden door.

I announced my presence and tip toed over to the lounge room where my husband sat. He seemed less than impressed to see me; i guessed it was because of the small amount of groceries I had bought back with me.

'Don't blame me for the amount of food I got this week, it's not my fault you're not working anymore.' I sniggered, walking to the kitchen and dropping the bag onto the counter.

'Oh no, you have let your knots loose! let me fix that.' I sort of consoled, getting onto the ground in front of him and tying his legs back to the chair, only tighter this time. My husband moaned and spoke through his gag only releasing muffled noises. I dropped the scarf that covered his mouth and rolled my hand forward, initiating him to speak.

'Maya, please let me go. I won't tell the police about Jordyn, I promise.' He huffed, catching deep breaths.

'Jordyn is fine, Mark. He is just sleeping.'

'Maya, no, Jordyn is dead! You drowned him last week remember?'

'Stop being so over dramatic, Mark, he is fine. I'll go get him and we can have a nice family dinner just like the old days.'

I wandered down the hall and picked up Jordyn's sleeping body and carried him down to the lounge room to join us.

Mark started to cry when I came back, staring at Jordyn. I guessed he was just sad to see that Jordyn wasn't fussy with me anymore and Mark wasn't his favourite anymore.

'Open wide for the aeroplane!' I sang, pushing mashed peas into Jordyn's mouth.