The Wife They Left Behind

and Brenda had four large, expensive-looking suitcases between them, plus their own carry-ons

hey chattered excitedly about the resort pool and the restaurants, completely ignoring the storm that had erupted the night befor

s, once spoken, could not be taken back. They had

r, a husband putting a protective arm around his wife. A bitter taste filled my mouth. I had mourned the marriage I thought I had for years, b

of irritation. "Are you going to be like this the whole tri

d of emotion. "We're finished, Mark. I meant what

ht on my tongue. They felt solid, real.

people around us to turn and look. "You're going to ruin my celebrati

ss laugh escaping my lips. "You

ot air our dirty laundry in public. Emily, darling, don't you worry. Your moth

g to meet her gaze, but the weight of their combined disapproval was suffocating. They moved a few feet ahead, a t

s the airline agent began to announce boarding fo

grabbing his and Emily's b

ket. It clearly said "

ed, confusion cutting through my nu

inute upgrade deal online yesterday. It was only for two seats, so Grandma an

icket and his daughter's, leaving his wife, the one who paid for the base tickets, to sit by

just forgotten me. They had actively, deliberately excluded me. It wasn't an oversight;

gate agent called their zone, and they disappeared down the jet bridge. The feeling of betrayal was so sharp, so a