Venturing Copper Harbor, Judy and Harrison stop by at a restaurant with an antiquated setting, the walls covered in bricks, and the restaurant itself, covered with dim lights, hushed and serene. Sharing a table, Judy looks over the menu with Harrison, discussing what to order.
"What about two trouts and a small batch of onion rings?"
"Are you serious? It costs twelve dollars for that dish. Look, I think it's a bad idea to eat at this place. Why don't we go try to eat somewhere else?"
"Harrison."
"What?"
"Don't what me. Listen, I know we are on a tight budget, but we could make more-"
"Where? How are we going to get enough cash to-"
A waitress interrupts Harrison and Judy, holding a pad of paper and a pencil.
"Are you guys ready to order?"
Harrison and Judy look at each other, hesitant.
"Could... could you come back later? We're still deciding," Harrison said.
The waitress, eyeing them suspiciously, leaves to tend the other customers in the restaurant. Harrison runs his hair with his hand, sighing with frustration, ignoring Judy as she places down the menu.
"What's your problem?!" Judy asks Harrison.
"Nothing. I don't have a problem."
"No, there is a problem."
"Jesus, Judy, I don't want to make things worse for us-"
"But you are. AGAIN."
Harrison slams his right fist on the table, causing a loud racket. All of the customers looked at them with surprise. Feeling heated up from the conflict, Harrison grabs his jacket.
"Let's go," Harrison commanded.
Without a word, Judy follows suit and leaves the restaurant with Harrison, angered by his actions. Walking side by side, Harrison and Judy walk across Downtown Copper Harbor, unsatisfied with each other's company as they pass by stores exhibiting goods and design. With full twenty minutes of silence, Judy broke out, saying:
"I did this for you."
Harrison glanced at Judy and continued walking, without saying a word.
"I could've lived a different life without you," Judy continued. "I would have gone to school more, spend more time with my friends... Jesus, I could have gotten a better lifestyle. But, I wanted to be with you. I love you, Harrison. But, your parents and mine... they didn't approve of our relationship. I sacrificed my life for you-"
Harrison halts and faces Judy with exploding anger.
"I sacrificed mine also! I could've gotten to a better college with football at school. If we didn't decide on going for this life we are living, then I don't know what else we could've done! What you're saying is bullshit!"
Judy, shocked by Harrison's rage, shakes her head with disappointment. She quickly hits Harrison in the chest, repeatedly with quick punches. Harrison, not flinching, grabs ahold of Judy and hugs her.
"Judy-"
"Don't talk to me!"
"Judy, please..."
Harrison restrains Judy as she tries to break free. Teared up and hurt, Judy loses strength and hugs Harrison, crying on his chest.
"I'm sorry, Judy... I'm so sorry..." Harrison said smoothly as he cradles her in a hug, hushing her and keeping her calm.
"I'm so sorry, Judy. Please forgive me..."
YOU ARE READING
Coast.
Short Story"I don't want to settle down, have kids, live old, and die." Judy looked at Harrison with contempt. "I know," Harrison replied. "No, you don't." "Damn it, Judy. I know how you feel." "Do you?" "Yes. Yes, I do." "How?" "What?" "How are you able to kn...
