I put my love in a container

closed the lid and said goodbye

For you see, we’d become strangers

those fond memories and I

Bridges formed and bridges splintered

since I’d harvested your words

Years ago, you claimed to love me

then you fed me to the birds

I see you now, clearer than ever

All your faults, your fakes, your flaws

Deceit perfumes your gifts and gestures

You speak with ...

What does Marge, the regional manager, always say about coal under pressure? That it turns into diamonds? That the stresses of managing a store are supposed to turn regular employees into their very best? That doesn’t seem to apply to Anna. The pressure is turning her into something else, something pushy, something she once hated when she was a cashier herself.

Gotta meet the quota. Gotta smi...

My blood ran cold as I realized the implications. I stared at my wedding band in disbelief. I could barely make out his accusation over my pounding heartbeat.

My words cowered in a whisper. “Is there…photographic evidence?” I swallowed hard and dabbed at a bead of sweat. “I mean, how sure are we?”

“Very sure,” said Hank, silencing his buzzing phone. “Pete… Can I call you Pete? Petey, listen, y...