His phone went straight to voicemail—again. She cooled herself. An angry message would only prolong his absence.
“Honey, you promised you’d be home by seven.” The digital clock over the stove displayed 9:32.
“I know your job’s important.” She wouldn’t think about the temp. The one with the blond pixie cut. The one who wore the baby doll dress with the plunging neckline to the office picnic.
“I made your favorite. It’s getting cold.” The contempt rose in her voice. She had to hang up.
She wished she’d finished school before the baby. Tonight, her only company was wasted lasagna.
© 2016 Nortina Simmons
Nortina's Writing Inspiration Well 
My heart breaks for her. In her heart of hearts, she knows where her husband is.
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And that’s probably the most heartbreaking thing. You think you’re doing everything right, and he still cheats with another woman.
If karma exited, she could really use some…
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A great story about how to not treat someone the way the husband is treating his wife.
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Yep. And if he’s not careful, he just might get a taste of his own medicine.
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9:32? Boy, he’d better hope he’s dead in a ditch somewhere!
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Ha! I this point, death would be the only acceptable excuse for why he’s so late.
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I got mad reading this. I admire her restraint, I just hope she realizes treating others how you want to be treated doesn’t mean letting them treat you poorly in return. I had to learn that lesson.
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Exactly! Eventually you have to say enough is enough. If he’s not willing to do it, there’s someone else out there ready and willing to give you the respect you deserve.
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She’s a very patient person! I’m not sure I could show the restraint she does since this sounds like a recurring situation. You capture the moral lesson well!
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Thanks! Let’s hope her missing husband will eventually learn his lesson too.
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That’s a tough one to do, stay calm when tempted to roar.
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Very challenging. It requires a lot of patience…
But how much does it take before you finally snap?
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