"You've just reached a new high level in Ignoring Me." Lucy picked an unpopped kernel of popcorn out of the bowl on her lap and launched it at the side of Benjamin's head.
Benjamin shrugged and kept his focus on the TV, where a CGI army under his command attacked a mostly abandoned village. The sound of bullets and barely intelligible radio communication drowned out Lucy's sigh.
This romantic funk--going on two months, based on the last time Benjamin and Lucy went out together to somewhere that didn't have a drive-thru--wasn't how Lucy pictured their relationship progressing, but the oddest part was Benjamin himself wouldn't label it as a funk at all. He would say they were settled into a routine typical of any couple who had been dating long-term.
If Lucy knew that, she would treat it as the first of many red flags.
But Lucy didn't know that, like she didn't know Benjamin's internet search history or the subjects of his recently sent text messages, or of his recently received text messages. All things which would raise several more red flags.
No, what Lucy knew was boredom. And brief forays into anger. And the way the light from a video game made her skin look blue, like she was underwater.
---
Funk: A perfect word to work with this week, as it sums up where I'm at mentally.
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Benjamin shrugged and kept his focus on the TV, where a CGI army under his command attacked a mostly abandoned village. The sound of bullets and barely intelligible radio communication drowned out Lucy's sigh.
This romantic funk--going on two months, based on the last time Benjamin and Lucy went out together to somewhere that didn't have a drive-thru--wasn't how Lucy pictured their relationship progressing, but the oddest part was Benjamin himself wouldn't label it as a funk at all. He would say they were settled into a routine typical of any couple who had been dating long-term.
If Lucy knew that, she would treat it as the first of many red flags.
But Lucy didn't know that, like she didn't know Benjamin's internet search history or the subjects of his recently sent text messages, or of his recently received text messages. All things which would raise several more red flags.
No, what Lucy knew was boredom. And brief forays into anger. And the way the light from a video game made her skin look blue, like she was underwater.
---
Funk: A perfect word to work with this week, as it sums up where I'm at mentally.
---
Bummer. Lucy needs to get away from that guy and have an adventure. I love the last line. Genius!
ReplyDeleteYes, she sure does. Thanks for reading!
DeleteBoredom! It kills me! Lucy needs to put on her running shoes and hightail it out of there. All those secrets while claiming he's settling in. Yuck!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention; I love the use of the color blue at the end!
DeleteRunning shoes, roller blades, skateboard...anything to get out of that situation!
DeleteI can so relate to the comment about boredom! Like she was underwater - is a great line.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Deleteooh Lucy better wise up.
ReplyDeleteThe sooner the better.
DeletePoor Lucy is underwater. Hopefully she'll surface, and breathe some fresh air.
ReplyDeleteFresh air is just what she needs.
DeleteI really liked this reflection. The vague ominous threat of the red flags, and the gorgeous ending with the blue from the video game. You painted her clearly and thoughtfully.
ReplyDeleteThank you, and thanks for the insightful read!
DeleteIt's always us women who get bored. Men like the routine.
ReplyDeleteIt sure does seem that way, doesn't it?
Delete