Short story-Walking
... couple you ever met. At least once a week Bill would come home with a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates. Their first child Hayley was born two years after their marriage. Every Saturday Bill would take them out for some sort of trip. He showered Hayley with more affection and presents than they could afford. They were the perfect happy family. When Hayley was four John was born. Bill was ecstatic to have his own little boy. They kept up the outings for another 5 years. They started to fade away after that. Bill would have to work or have to go fix something. They started to come every other week. Then every month. Then every 3 months. Eventually he just didn’t have any time. Sue shook her head and took the plate of beans and chips over to her husband. “I made your favourite,” she announced in a vain attempt to engage her caveman of a husband in some form of conversation. A grunt of what she could only guess was thanks was the most appreciation she would be getting all night. She looked at the clock and realised that John and Hayley had to be put to bed. As she tucked John in to his bed he asked the question she knew would be coming. “Is Dad coming up to say goodnight,” he asked. Sue thought for a moment and said, “Dad’s very tired,” wishing that she could think of a better answer. “OK,” chirped John, blissfully unaware of the tension in the room. Sue went downstairs and tried again to drag some sign of evolution from her husband. Bill’s jacket was hanging on the end of the banister. As Sue walked past it she could smell the stench of whiskey surrounding it. Bill was never nice when he had been drinking. “How was work?” she asked, shuffling into the room. Another grunt. “Did you go to the pub with Dave?” That was a mistake. Bill jumped from his throne and started hollering abuse. “WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO YOU WHERE I’VE BEEN! I DON’T QUESTION YOU EVERY TIME YOU COME THROUGH THE DOOR! I CAN DO WHAT I WANT!” Sue backed into a corner, her monster of a husband coming steadily closer. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” he yelled, fist raised high. His knuckles came down on her with a smack that she was sure could be heard for miles. She wished it was the first time. Bill stormed out; slamming the front door so hard it shook the whole ...