By Bela Seitz

Woman works service job. Poor. Long hours. Mean customers. Woman’s sister suggests she date someone. Woman agrees, because what’s the worst that could happen? 

Man works lucrative job. Successful. Long hours. Bored. Man wants someone to enjoy his wealth with. Man’s assistant suggests he date someone, like her sister. Man agrees, because what’s the worst that could happen?

Man nervous Woman only wants his wealth so brings her to a fast food joint. Woman shows up after long shift and demolishes three plates of onion rings. Man finds her hilarious and asks her out again. Woman assumes from first date they’ll go somewhere cheap and goes to a steakhouse in a hoodie. Man is tickled by this. Man falls in love. Woman is flabbergasted. She hadn’t been trying, though that’s when everyone says you’ll find someone. Man and Woman move in together. Man makes enough for two; Woman quits her job. Man and Woman marry. Man and Woman have twins. Woman stays home to raise them. Man comes tired home every day from work to delighted trio. Man gets jealous. Man quits job. Woman furious. Man and Woman fight. Man and Woman have another kid (me!). Time passes. Kids grow up and move out. Man and Woman divorce. 

Woman gets service job. Woman unhappy. Poor. Long hours. Mean customers. 

Man has enough savings to not work so travels full-time. Man traverses America and Europe, seeing art and ancient ruins and natural wonders, but gets lonely. Man returns, buys a bag of greasy onion rings, and knocks on Woman’s door. 

Woman lets Man inside, because what’s the worst that could happen?

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Bela Seitz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University who lives and works in New York City. She has had works published in the Under Review, the About Place Journal, Big Muddy, New Pop Lit, Short Beasts, and others.