Falling Leaves | Teen Ink

Falling Leaves

April 22, 2014
By Brenden Polkinghorn BRONZE, Lancaster, Wisconsin
Brenden Polkinghorn BRONZE, Lancaster, Wisconsin
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

The leaves rustled and blew in the wind as they fell from the autumn leaves. The brisk air freshened the lungs of Marilyn and Douglas as they strolled through the park. In one hand, Douglas held the picnic basket, the other, his wife’s hand. They go deep into the woods following the trail to seclusion.

“This looks good.” Douglas says as he releases his wife’s hand and pulls the blanket from the basket.

“This part of the woods is gorgeous.”

“Don’t you remember? This is where we had one of our first dates.”

But the truth is, she didn't remember. 17 years together will do that to you. Marilyn had been on many dates with him; she couldn't possibly remember them all. “Of course,” she lied “how could I ever forget?” The only time she remembered being here was with a different man.

“I still remember it like it was yesterday. I brought the same thing as last time.” He kneels down to pull out two turkey sandwiches wrapped in cellophane, Marilyn's favorite.

They sat on the blanket and had a near silent lunch. The conversation starters from Douglas shot down by Marilyn. Until Marilyn couldn't hold it back anymore. “I have something to tell you.” She started. “Something I've wanted to bring up for a long time now.”

“I do too.” He replied. “You first, though.”

“We've been through a lot. And, we've been together a long time. That's what makes this so hard.” She stumbled. “I've got something to tell you, but I don’t know how to put it.”

“I know exactly how to put it.” He interrupted. “I've let you run along with this charade for long enough. I've known for some time now. All those nights that you went out for “coffee” at nine at night? I've known. I've let you run around thinking you’d come back to me and everything would fix itself. I thought you’d right your wrongs. But, its gone on too long, and tonight this ends.” Then he lifts the other towel from the basket. Marilyn's tears begin to fall like the leaves as the weapon is pulled from the basket. “Why do you think I've brought you this far into the woods?”



Similar Articles

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 2 comments.


Mr.Richard said...
on Apr. 25 2014 at 12:53 pm
Nice job Brenden! 

on Apr. 25 2014 at 12:06 pm
Lil_fox_Girl GOLD, Spokane, Washington
11 articles 1 photo 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes to find the truth, one must move mountains" ~Author Dan Brown

I like the last line! The whole story was written well and i enjoyed it.