Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Gone Fishing (02/01/07)
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TITLE: Learning to Fish | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elizabeth Budd
02/07/07 -
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“Debra,” he whispered, “it’s gorgeous. A great day for fishing.” He opened the window. She could hear a woodpecker hammering for its breakfast, while somewhere a pair of squirrels argued.
You must be kidding, Debra thought. She pulled the covers over her eyes as her to-do list played in her head. Laundry, sheets, dust, vacuum, cook for tomorrow’s church dinner.
Oh, David,” she sighed, “I’d love to. But how can I?” She uncovered her face. “On top of all the housework, I have a stack of essays to grade for Monday.”
David sat on the edge of the bed and brushed his wife’s brown hair from her forehead. “The kids and I will help you - we always do.” He bent down and kissed her forehead. “Come on, honey. It’s Saturday.”
Debra sighed. Yes, and every time you help, I have to do it all over again. “Maybe next Saturday. You and the kids go have fun.” She slid out of bed, stripping the sheets and blankets off as she did.
David stood back, watching. Finally, he shrugged. “Okay, babe. Guess that’s what we’ll do.” He left the bedroom to get the Diane and Drew up.
Well, that was easy, thought Debra. As usual, he gets to have fun while I do all the work. Must be great to be a man. Work five days and play the other two. She thought about the last time David and the kids had helped. All the socks and towels had needed re-folding, and they’d forgotten to dust the dining room. It’s not fair. I have to do everything. When do I get a break?
After a quick breakfast, Debra packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cut up apples for David and the kids to take to the river. They crammed the lunches and fishing gear into the back of their SUV.
“Come on, honey. You don’t have to fish – bring that new book I bought you.” She shook her head.
She watched David back down the driveway. Book! When do I have time to read a book! She waved. Go have your fun. Don’t worry about me. She didn’t see her children’s disappointed faces. Neither did she notice the tiny crocus buds poking out along the sides of the driveway or hear the mockingbird sing as he hopped along the drainpipe.
But she saw the cluttered table and the peanut butter smeared on the counter where Diane had tried to help her.
Debra stormed through the house, scrubbing, wiping, dusting, mopping, until everything was spotless and in its place. I can’t believe David went fishing. I work all week and then work all weekend. He gets to fish and watch football and –
A knock at the door interrupted her. Debra opened it and sighed. “Hello, Mom.”
“Hello, Debra. I thought you might be out with David and the kids.”
Debra rolled her eyes. “How can I go anywhere? Just once I wish he’d get up and help me instead of running off.” She sat on the sofa and pulled a dirty sock from under a cushion. “See?” She threw it across the room. “I’m the only one who does anything around here.”
Debra’s mom sat next to her. “Debra,” she began, “There’s something I’ve wanted to say to you. I guess this is the time.” She gazed out the windows toward the swing set and basketball hoop. “I know David doesn’t help much, and you two need to work that out on your own. But your bitterness has to go. The dirty dishes, unmade beds, and even that dirty sock are reminders that you’re not alone. The day will come when you’d give almost anything to find a dirty sock under a cushion.” She stood. “Well, I’ve said my piece. Now go take a nap and think about what I’ve said. I’m going home to my quiet house.”
Debra awoke to dinner noises. She sneaked down the stairs and peeked into the kitchen where David was supervising. Grease splattered on the counter from frying fish, potatoes boiled over, and milk puddled on the floor under the table.
Debra smiled and shook her head, smiling. I guess maybe I would rather have that messy kitchen than be alone. We’ll clean it up together later. And next Saturday, I’m going fishing.
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