Nathan hung up the phone and slowly turned to his wife with a puzzled
look on his face. He hadn't heard her enter the room. He failed to hear the
sharp creaking of the door hinge that she constantly reminded him to
replace. He did not hear her soft-bottomed slippers pushing against the worn
carpet. He was too preoccupied with the laughter on the other end. He was
swept up in the conversation, in that sweet sultry voice that had slowly
drawn him away from his wife since the day he first heard it. It was
inevitable, "Fate in action", he had told himself, "Nobody stays together
forever anymore." He saw her raise the gun in his direction. He closed his
eyes, too terrified by the possibility of what he might see. He heard the
click, he heard her sob uncontrollably. She knew, she had known for some
time. She had let the bitterness and jealousy take over. It drove her like
some uncontrollable parasite. Eyes still closed, he heard her speak. "How
could you?," she questioned. She whispered so quietly, "I still love you."
He heard the shot, and for a moment he heard nothing but the gentle beating
of his cold heart. He heard himself, alive. He did not hear her.

~Matt T.