For Every Action

Flash Fiction by Oliver Cassidy



Mr. Paulson worked at the laundromat. He washed, dried and folded clothes all day long. His favorite customer was Ms. Spoon. Ms. Spoon was pretty. She was courteous; always asked about his day, his interests; always asked about his family. Mr. Paulson didn't have a family. He pretended. He had a fictional wife and two fictional children. He thought it seemed better that way. He couldn't tell Ms. Spoon he lived alone; that he'd always lived alone. He just couldn't.

One day, on an impulse, Mr. Paulson bought a single white rose for Ms. Spoon. He knew she'd love it. He was very excited to give it to her. He paid special attention to his appearance that day. He ironed his shirt and carefully combed his hair. He imagined her reaction. He imagined her smiling and saying thank you and placing the rose in a glass vase in her home.

Two weeks after giving Ms. Spoon the rose, a rose she politely yet stiffly accepted, Mr. Paulson asked a coworker if he'd seen her lately. The coworker said no, he hadn't. Two months after giving her the rose, Mr. Paulson still hadn't seen her.

He washed, dried and folded clothes each and every day after, waiting for Ms. Spoon to return. Her absence had nothing to do with the rose. He was sure of it.