By J. Hess

“Would you please share your life with me?”

I stared at him across the table and set my fork down. In many ways, he was the ideal partner: kind, respectful, supportive, successful. He made me happy. Right? What was happiness? I thought of my parents, centering their lives around the family, their sacrifices, raised voices behind closed doors, quiet laughter over an inside joke, shoulders touching as they washed dishes together. Was I ready to commit my life to another person? I imagined having kids and growing old together. Was he the one? 

He looked at me expectantly. My vision blurred, a tear trickling down my cheek. 

“No,” I whispered. “I’m sorry.”

“But the waiter forgot to bring me one and you’re not even using yours,” he said, gesturing at my knife.

“Oh… I thought you said… never mind.”

We finished our meal in silence. 

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J. Hess is originally from the United States but has lived in almost a dozen countries. J. enjoys writing flash fiction and travel stories.