In the Nick of Time

Prompt: Men and Women

Word Count: 300

12ShortStories.com Deadline: July 17, 2019

Title: In the Nick of Time

In the Nick of Time by T.R. Kisgen

They say men and women need different things to be happy in a relationship, but… maybe both genders are more alike than different. Maybe both parties need to feel valued or the relationship will die. Maynard and Rosie learned this vital lesson just yesterday.

M: You’re always criticizing me.

R: You’re always being stupid.

M: If you think I’m stupid then why did you marry me?

R: Because you made me believe that to you, I was the most beautiful girl in the world.

M: So you married me even though I’m stupid?

R: I didn’t know you were stupid until you stopped desiring me.

M: I think you’re gorgeous but I married you because of how you made me feel. You respected me – you even admired me. Didn’t you?

R: I did. You were amazing. You could do anything you set your mind to.

M: Then what happened to us if we thought each other was so great?

R: I don’t know but something changed.

M: You stopped thinking I was great.

R: No, you stopped thinking I was beautiful.

M: Maybe you started criticizing me when you didn’t feel desired.

R: Hmmm. Because I didn’t feel desired I started looking at you critically.

M: Can we fix this?

R: I think so – do you still love me?

M: Of course. I still think you’re beautiful, always have. Do you still love me?

R: I do. And I still think you’re amazing, most of the time.

Maynard and Rosie kissed and found that spark was still very much alive. They held hands and decided to focus on the positive and appreciate each other out loud, to let the other know they are desired and admired. Maynard and Rosie learned this valuable lesson in the nick of time.