Magnificent Shards

Prompt: Write a story up to 1,000 words that fit the title Manificent Shards.
Word Count: 268

"I hate you!" Courtney screamed as she snatched up the first thing within her reach. A fragile globe lamp made of milk glass.

"You don't want to do that," Mike warned evenly. He knew better than to laugh, but it was hard not to when she looked so adorable all flushed and flustered and ranting.

"Don't you dare tell me what not to do!" She raised the milk glass lamp and hurled it across the room at her smirking husband's head but smashed it against the wall instead, sending a shower of milky white shards raining down on him. Instantly, She regretted her impulsive action. Oh no, not grandma's antique lamp! Hot tears trailed down her flushed cheeks as she turned and fled from the room.

Mike let her go. Once the door down the hall slammed shut he went and got the broom and began to slowly sweep up the shattered glass. He knew he had provoked her Irish temper and he knew how much the lamp had meant to her. How many times had his own temper gotten the best of him? He couldn't even remember all the times. He was about to toss the mess into the trash when he suddenly had what he considered a brilliant idea. He carefully picked out the biggest and best pieces of the glass and set them aside.

A quick trip to Home Depot and he set to work. As he worked he thought about her. The years they had been married. All the ups and downs, the things he had to duck. Good thing he had good reflexes. He loved her feisty hot temper, quick wit, and outspoken ways. He never had to guess what she was thinking. He worked long into the night.

The next morning when Courtney finally decided to face up to her mistakes, she discovered a small round table with an intricately designed top made of magnificent shards of milk glass all artfully arranged in a beautiful pattern surrounded by clear epoxy making it look as if the shards were floating on water.

"It's so beautiful," She said in a soft whisper as she felt him come up behind her and wrap his arms around her. "Thank you."

"I shouldn't have called you short," Mike admitted. "I just like annoying you. You're cute when you throw things at my head." Just as she spun around with her hands on her hips ready to retort, he laughed and pulled her into a bear hug and made her forget what she was about to say by pressing his lips to hers.

He knew he was forgiven when her arms tightened around his waist and she kissed him back.