Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

There’s a different vibration in the air; I stand at the sink trying to figure out what has changed. My sixth sense is a blessing and a curse; this morning it feels like a curse.

“Ed, you still here?”

My husband doesn’t leave for work until seven; it’s 6:30 and it appears he’s gone.

We had a fight last night:

“You never listen, Ed!” I was ready to rumble.

“And you do, Clarise?” Ed said as he threw his melamine plate into the sink, chicken bones flying everywhere.

Usually Ed hangs around until fists are almost flying.

“So, I get to clean that up?” I always do.

“Or leave it!” Ed stomped out of the room.

“YOU’RE HIDING SOMETHING! I CAN FEEL IT,” I screamed at his big fat back.

We were always so close, throughout twenty-five years of marriage. Lately, he’s so distant. Is he meeting his lover this morning for a quickie? When did the affair begin? Questions flood my mind as I attack the breakfast dishes.

The nagging feeling persists throughout the day. When I can’t stand another minute, I go snooping. I’m entitled, I decide, and head for his office.

Rummaging around, I find nothing illicit. The laptop sits on his desk waiting for me to open it. I do. I know his password. (We have no secrets. Well, we didn’t!)

Snooping through non-threating bits of minutia, I come upon a folder marked “Secret”. I open it and hold my breath.

The email announcement reads: Friday night at our house for Clarise’s birthday bash. Remember, it’s a SURPRISE! See you all on Friday!

I close the laptop.

I must keep this secret for three more days, and then act surprised Friday night!

Thanks, Ed, you lovable bunch of blubber!