The Washing Machine

Three hundred words story idea
4/25/10

The Washing Machine

It took awhile for it to sink in. Days went by quickly, the schedule about the same as always. Up early, let the cat and dog out, start the coffee. She liked when the mornings could start slowly, because when she did finally wake up, she was moving fast all day, non-stop.

Mentally the list would begin and the day would come into focus: shower, eat, make a lunch, take water, and get to work safely. Careful in the fog with the black ice. Write a reminder to self that she needed to leave work as soon as possible: “Miles to go before I sleep” ran through her head. The car was running smoothly, cooperating with a tight budget. Hadn’t stranded her once all winter. Back home, feed the animals and let them out and in again, grab a bite, brush her teeth, then off to class. Luckily the homework assignment was finished, printed and ready to turn in. Sheesh, it was a blur some days. Much to do, too little time, probably too little sleep, but a simple, purposive joy none the less.

The calendar on the fridge was enormously helpful; just like the little pill box with the days of the week right on it. Sometimes it was tricky to know which day it was, let alone which month or year. How old was she? Yes, keeping busy is what most people said would help.

Oh, one more thing before going out the door. Laundry! Running back upstairs, she gathered everything together and hurried back down to put in a load ready to run right before bed. She separated the whites and darks and turned the knob. Wait, just half a load. Actually, less than half a load. And that’s when it hit her. Paralyzed. Frozen. She knew, for the first time, he was gone.