Morning

sumayyahsaidso (64)in #story • 6 years ago

Morning

She filled the electric kettle with the usual liter of water, set out two cups, added instant coffee crystals and sugar, and set them on the counter before she remembered she wasn’t supposed to. There was no longer any need for that morning ritual. As the bubbles of the boiling water danced in the blue light, she reminded herself: today is the day.

Her hands shook as she picked up the extra mug. Unsteadily, she walked to the garbage can, and tapped the pedal to open it. She stared down at the chipped blue mug, and fought back tears as she ran her thumb over the faded logo. “This cup will never be used again,” she whispered as she lifted it to her lips to kiss. In a sudden fit of anger, she roared, and threw the mug with all her strength. It hit the wall and shattered, raining porcelain, freeze dried coffee, and sugar crystals onto the immaculate floor. She balled her trembling hands into fists, whimpering when she caught sight of the untanned line on her third finger.

She waited for the sound of her name to resonate across the apartment. She waited for the inevitable, “Kendra? What was that noise?” but it never came, and it never would again. She inhaled, exhaled noisily, and, through her tears, answered anyway.

“Nothing.” Her voice came out as a croak; she cleared her throat and tried again. “It was nothing,” she said louder. “I dropped my cup making the coffee. That’s all.” Tears slipped from her eyes, and she slammed her lids shut in a vain effort to stop them. “That’s all,” she whispered to the empty home. The kettle chirped once, twice, thrice, and shut itself off.

17 February 2018