Elephant in the room

There are pleasantries and platitudes. A civil, “please pass the salt,” and considerate “would you like some more tea?”

Gone are Sunday morning crosswords in bed, and late nights with Bogart and Garbo.

No hands are held, no tears shed. There are no voices raised, no sweet whispers in the dark.

Conversations are over which toothpaste to buy, or whether dinner should be beef or chicken. They ignore the elephant in the room. It’s too big to look in the eye and be asked to leave.

Uncomfortable strangers who were once inseparable lovers, now living alone together discontent but resigned.

100 Word Song, a writing challenge from Lance based on a weekly music prompt. Give 100 words, not 99, not 101. This week’s challenge is inspired by Damien Rice, “Elephant.”