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Rated: E · Short Story · Contest Entry · #2296270
Renata and Doug and the Environment.
Progress
WC 300


Renata looked toward the mountain range and shook her head in disgust.

It was one thing to lose all sense of civility when dealing with your fellow man, but to desecrate the land, repeatedly with no conscience was more than she could bear. She had spent most of her adult life trying to educate people about the need to save the land; nobody would listen. All they seemed to care about was making money off the land.

Doug was due any minute. He said this was to be a “special dinner”. Was he going to propose? At thirty-seven, she was past ready.

The doorbell rang.

After a few moments of pleasantries, she guided Doug to the patio.

They did it again!” she said as she waved her arms toward the mountains.

“Did what again?” Doug said forehead creased.

“They’ve broken ground for another housing development!”

“So?”

Doug seemed to care about the environment, not like the others.

“So? That was pristine land and now it will be defiled.”

“How about a drink?”

“No, Doug!”

“Okay, okay!”

He headed inside.

“I wonder if it’s condos or single family. Condos would be nice,” he said from the kitchen.

Doug joined her again.

“We could buy a condo and live closer to the mountains,” he said as he sipped his drink.

Renata could hardly breathe.

“There is no we, Doug! We do not exist.”

“What?”

“Finish your drink and go, please.”

“I—”

“Just go!”

He set his drink down and left without another word.

Had she lost yet another chance at love over her stupid obsession with the Environment?

I can’t believe I did it again!

A condo closer to the mountains would be nice; and, after all, it is progress.

I’ll call him tomorrow; we’ll kiss and make up.

Fingers crossed.




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