by John Sheirer
This piece has been reprinted for our Editors’ Picks Summer 2026 Edition.
It was originally published in the Fall 2022 Edition of confetti.
“This one.” He pointed to the 24-foot model.
“Mmmm,” his wife responded.
“I can fix the siding on the back of the house or clean the upper gutters without hiring someone.”
She touched the cold aluminum. Does he know we’re sixty-five?
“Let’s check online later,” she suggested, hoping he’d forget. “Maybe find a better price.”
“Good idea,” he said. “Let’s find those garden gloves you wanted.”
That night in bed, she nestled into him, spooning as they had since their first night together.
“So strong,” she whispered, squeezing his arm as she always did.
Some nights, he still believed her.
© 2022 John Sheirer All rights reserved.
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