Off: ODD STORIES, #4

By Hank Fredo

A humourous story of Frank thriving to safe his two decades old home from falling apart, trying his best to mend all the cracks in the wall.

Meanwhile his wife Beth on the contrary does everything in her power to break of the family, following her new found career and lifestyle.

Caught in the Midst of this storms is Nicholas their only son, loosing his mind to all the the drama and trauma.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seagull Editions
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223073741

Book preview

Chapter One

I want a divorce.

I thought you came here to work through your marriage, Mrs. Smith, the counselor says while staring at her intently. You sound like you’ve already given up.

I didn’t give up on anything, Beth says, defensively and her husband, Frank shakes his head. I just don’t want to do this anymore.

That’s what it means to give up, Beth. And by ‘this’ do you mean our almost two-decade-old marriage and our eighteen-year-old son? Frank asks as he turns to face his wife.

The counselor leans forward and observes them closely but she doesn’t say anything. She knows this is a crucial moment in their relationship. Talking openly and honestly is the whole point of this counseling session. It’s the reason Frank reached out to Dr. Flynn in the first place. He needed an opportunity to speak openly with his wife because he could tell she wasn’t being honest when they spoke about their divorce previously. Beth had only told him she wanted to leave the family. She had given no real reason and simply said she wanted to start a new life. The reason for what prompted her to make such a drastic decision has remained unknown.

I mean all of it, Beth says. Dr. Flynn notices how she looks at her hands while she speaks. Beth looks everywhere except at her husband. A sign of guilt, Dr. Flynn notes. She writes down a few things before turning her attention back to the couple. I need a fresh start, Frank. That’s all that I need right now.

What does that even mean? Frank’s voice climbs several octaves as he speaks. It’s obvious he is becoming frustrated with his wife. To be honest, Dr. Flynn is surprised he’s managed to bottle up all his anger for so long. He even made the smart decision of scheduling this counseling session. He is a man that wants to fix his marriage.

It means that I do not find my life fulfilling and I’m tired of pretending that I do! Beth responds. This time she looks at her husband while she speaks but not for long. As soon as the last word leaves her mouth she goes back to staring at her hands. Dr. Flynn decides it’s time to interrupt.

What would fulfill you, Mrs. Smith? Dr. Flynn asks and Beth looks up at her with wide eyes. She clearly forgot that she was still here. What is your definition of a fulfilling life?

Listen, Dr. Flynn... Beth starts but then she is interrupted by the counselor.

You can just call me Maggie.

Alright, Maggie. I don’t believe you have any right to ask me those questions. What I find fulfilling is my business.

Maggie always knew it wouldn’t be easy to reach Beth. Not only had she already made up her mind but she was also the type of person who didn’t believe in therapy. Maggie sighs as she accepts that the next few weeks of counseling will be difficult.

Just answer the woman, Beth. What would fulfill you? What is it that my son and I are unable to give you?

A life of freedom, Beth says. A life without burdens, she adds.

Wow so now Nico and I are burdens? Are you even hearing yourself? That’s our son you’re talking about! Frank shouts.

I never called Nico a burden! Beth shouts back.

Let’s all take a breath and calm down. Remember that we are here to resolve the issue not make it worse, Maggie says. She decides to take a different tactic and turns to face Frank. Why do you think your wife wants a divorce, Mr. Smith?

I wish I knew.

I’m sure you have something in mind. Something you believe could have pushed your wife to this point.

If I’m being honest, Frank begins. He glances at Maggie who nods her head and encourages him to continue. I blame social media.

Are you serious? Beth asks angrily. You know I use social media for work!

Maggie ignores her outbursts and continues to speak to Frank. Why do you think so, Frank? What effects has social media had on your relationship?

Where do I begin? Let’s start with the constant comparison. These days I can't even take a bath without her telling me that I don’t lather the way some male celebrity on social media does. I also don’t eat the way he does and I don’t dress the way he does. She basically wants me to become that man.

It wouldn’t hurt you to put in a little effort, Beth interjects but Frank goes on without responding to her.

And less I forget the ‘low vibration’ meals that are supposed to make us look younger. I doubt lettuce and blueberries are the keys to the fountain of youth, Frank scoffs. We used to eat normal food but now I can't remember the last time I felt full after a meal. She said she wants me to lose a few pounds so I can look like the guy in the pictures. I’m 48 and I have a crappy credit score; the last thing I care about is looking like some random Instagram model!

When did the comparisons begin? Maggie asks.

Frank takes a minute to think about her question even though he already knows the answer. The problems at home began the moment his wife was promoted at work. He didn’t want to say that though because he knew that if he did he would become the man who doesn’t support his wife. Frank loves to see Beth climb the career ladder but not when all the dirt from her shoes gets dumped on him and his son. He takes a deep breath before speaking. It started when she got promoted, he says, deciding to go with the truth. It would be pointless to come here just to lie. He needs to be honest no matter what. That’s the only chance he has of fixing his relationship.

"I always knew you were jealous