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Joshua Gage

Tragedy

Remember you are alone in your own kitchen. The sounds of your wife's snores can barely be heard over Peter Jennings. The radio translates the BBC World News, and Michael Feldman teaches you "Things You Should Have Learned In School (Had You Been Paying Attention)." The curve of your knife makes a soft sound as it rocks through the pepper. after your dinner, you turn off the radio, creep through the living room to turn off the television, and linger to cover your wife with a blanket and watch her sleep. Later that night, she will wake you as she falls into bed. Her feet are cold against your back. Beneath your pillow, the wedding ring is loose on your finger.

worn rosary
in the closet, a suitcase
remains untouched