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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: General Interest
- Published: 10/03/2024
Saturday Night
Born 1929, M, from Roseville/CA, United States.jpeg)
2024 Saturday Night (Approx. 350 wds.)
It was a Saturday night. Paul Lerner, a retiree and now a widower, sat in his living room chair. The screen on the TV in front of him was black. Paul and his wife Sally used to watch television every night, mostly shows that she liked. He didn’t mind watching shows that he considered syrupy because it was something they did together. Now he rarely watched TV besides sports; it was too painful.
Paul, who was a writer (he did a regular column for his retirement community’s paper), had written a little story he called “Night was the Worst Time.” It was true, he thought. He could keep himself occupied most of the day but at night when there was nothing more to do there was no escaping it---he was an old guy in an empty house and it was awful. There was no other word for it unless it was “terrible.” Well, tomorrow was Sunday and the football games would be on. That would get him through most of the day.
Paul pulled himself out of his chair, something getting increasingly hard to do. He went into the kitchen and rinsed off some dishes he’d used and put them away. He did his bathroom business and got into bed. Another day without falling. He supposed that was a small victory. Why, on top of everything else, when you got old, did your balance go off.
At some point during their long marriage, Paul and Sally had gotten into the habit of kissing each other every night before going to sleep. Then, when Paul got too old for him to comfortably roll over on his side they began to hold hands every night. Now, every so often Paul would wake up during the night and reach over to hold Sally’s hand. He was a writer and you’d think his imagination was good enough so that he could believe she was there but it wasn’t the same as her physical presence. After a while he’d give up. He’d usually cry a little; he couldn’t help it. Eventually he’d fall back to sleep.
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Saturday Night(Martin Green)
2024 Saturday Night (Approx. 350 wds.)
It was a Saturday night. Paul Lerner, a retiree and now a widower, sat in his living room chair. The screen on the TV in front of him was black. Paul and his wife Sally used to watch television every night, mostly shows that she liked. He didn’t mind watching shows that he considered syrupy because it was something they did together. Now he rarely watched TV besides sports; it was too painful.
Paul, who was a writer (he did a regular column for his retirement community’s paper), had written a little story he called “Night was the Worst Time.” It was true, he thought. He could keep himself occupied most of the day but at night when there was nothing more to do there was no escaping it---he was an old guy in an empty house and it was awful. There was no other word for it unless it was “terrible.” Well, tomorrow was Sunday and the football games would be on. That would get him through most of the day.
Paul pulled himself out of his chair, something getting increasingly hard to do. He went into the kitchen and rinsed off some dishes he’d used and put them away. He did his bathroom business and got into bed. Another day without falling. He supposed that was a small victory. Why, on top of everything else, when you got old, did your balance go off.
At some point during their long marriage, Paul and Sally had gotten into the habit of kissing each other every night before going to sleep. Then, when Paul got too old for him to comfortably roll over on his side they began to hold hands every night. Now, every so often Paul would wake up during the night and reach over to hold Sally’s hand. He was a writer and you’d think his imagination was good enough so that he could believe she was there but it wasn’t the same as her physical presence. After a while he’d give up. He’d usually cry a little; he couldn’t help it. Eventually he’d fall back to sleep.
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Kevin Hughes
01/02/2025Martin,
This scenario is so common among us old folks...but never ordinary. I cried reading it. And if Fate chooses to leave me here when Kathy moves on, this could be my story too. Congrats on the StoryStar Award. And thank God for Sports.
Smiles, Kevin
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Shirley Smothers
01/02/2025A lovely story. Losing a loved one is difficult. You wrote of the beautifully. Congratulations on Short Story Star of the Day.
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Cheryl Ryan
01/02/2025It's such a deeply moving and amazing story that shows the struggles of losing a loved one.
Thank you for sharing!
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JD
01/01/2025Heartwrenching. You are not alone Martin. Many people are experiencing a similar heartbreak and will be able to relate to your story. I hope this new year is one that brings you newfound ways to enjoy life and find connection with others. Happy short story star of the day, and may you also have a happy new year.
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Shelly Garrod
10/08/2024Sad but a senitimental story. So real you can feel the pain. Loss is never easy and comes to all of us in time. Well done Martin.
Blessings, Shelly
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Joel Kiula
10/04/2024Always happy to read your stories. Memories and imaginations carry us through life.
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Denise Arnault
10/04/2024I'm always immersed in your stories. Your perspective on aging and loss is hard earned, I expect. Since I'm getting older too (74) I always think how I will feel when it's my turn. Keep the stories coming!
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Kevin Hughes
10/03/2024Martin,
This story is enacted in real life, over and over again. It is one of the many things in life that are truly "unfair." Imagination and memory can only carry you so far...in keeping up the will to live.
Smiles, Kevin
COMMENTS (14)