Neglected and ignored

Joan stood at the edge of the cliff, looking out at the tumultuous sea. The storms of the last few days had whipped it into a frenzied grey/green monster.

She watched the waves, giant crests of water, as they thundered towards the base of the cliff, hitting the rock with shuddering crashes.

Why had it come to this, she wondered.

Her mind drifted back to the early days of their marriage. They would cuddle up to each other, basking in their mutual love.

There would be long conversations over dinner, talking about their dreams and wishes for the future.

But now! Just this morning she had tried to talk to him, tell him something important, but he didn't even acknowledge her. There was no conversation, no reply, just silence.

She wiped away a tear. How much longer could she go on like this? Neglected, ignored. She felt so unloved.

She took a step closer to the edge.

A noise behind her made her turn. A young couple, hand in hand, very much in love, were walking along the path behind her, their two children ran ahead of them, giggling and playing.

Good morning they said, smiling as they passed. She smiled back, thinking how happy they looked.

That could have been her and George once.

She sighed. She had a lot to be thankful for, maybe she should give their marriage another try.

She turned and headed for home, the wind whipping her hair into a tangled mess.

She sat, waiting for him to come home.

The door slammed. "How did the hearing test go dear?" No answer!

He walked across the room and gave her a peck on the cheek. "The hospital says I need hearing aids" he said. "Well, it is to be expected when you're in your eighties, I suppose!"

She smiled, and told him that she loved him, but he didn't hear.

Maybe once he had his hearing aid, things would be different!