Five Minute Fiction

From Hatch's Plot Bank: she sets deadline - a ring now or get out

Anna sat on the edge of the couch, contemplating her life. She had been dating Tim for three years, and they were everybody's idea of the perfect couple. They had been living together for two of those three years, and each had gradually come to love (or at least accept) the irritating little habits that the other had. As far as Anna knew, neither of them had any plans to move out in the near or distant future, and they got along fabulously. They had a joint bank account, they were paying off the house together, they divided up all the household chores... they were living like an old married couple. There was only one difference - they weren't married.

Anna, like most girls, had grown up playing house and playing bride and planning her wedding to a man she hadn't yet met. Now, at thirty-two, she wanted to plan her wedding with the man she loved. Unfortunately, he seemed to have no plans in that direction. For months, Anna had hinted at the idea. She left the newspaper open to the wedding announcements. She wrote the date of the local wedding exhibition on the calendar. She left bridal magazines scattered throughout the house. Still, nothing. It was time, she decided.

"Honey, I'm home!" Tim called out as he returned from work. He sauntered into the living room and leaned over to give his girlfriend a kiss.

"Tim, I want to get married!" Anna blurted out. "We've been together for three years, and I think it's time that we either move forward or move on."

Tim looked at her for a moment, blinking. Then he shrugged. "I guess I'll start packing." Without another word, he headed into the bedroom. Moments later, Anna heard the unmistakable sound of a suitcase zipper opening.

That wasn't quite the reaction she had hoped for.