A man stepped outside to take out the rubbish and never came back. Its been five years since
A husband and wife sat at the dinner table, both scrolling through their phones in silence.
Whats so riveting over there? the wife eventually asked.
Well, Saturday there’s a big football match. What do you think? the husband answered.
She paused, tapping her screen thoughtfully. I’m reading all these stories about men who just vanish. Its terrifying. She set her phone down with a sigh. He followed her lead, abandoning his own device.
What do they say about these men? he asked, leaning closer.
Theyre saying a man popped out to take the rubbish and never returned. Five years goneand no ones found him.
Ive heard of cases like that, he replied with a crooked smile. Men suddenly lose their memory. Its all those questions women ask, drives them mad.
Oh, stop with your nonsense. And anyway, you didnt take the bin out this morning. Who are you waiting for?
By the way, wheres my new jumper? he changed the subject.
Its on the second shelf in the wardrobe. But why do you need a brand-new jumper just to take out the rubbish?
As the wife made her way to the bedroom, she found her husband not only putting on the new jumper, but also a fresh jacketeverything oddly pristine.
Why do you need your wallet, James? Youre just off to the bins. And why are you so dressed up? she demanded, arms folded.
Well, he began, struggling to keep a straight face, in case I forget who I am, at least the police wont haul me straight to a shelter or the psychiatric ward. If I look all scruffy, thats where Ill end up. But if Im dressed all right, maybe a normal place.
Wouldnt it be easier if you just took some ID with you? she shot back.
No way. I might lose itor forget what it was for.
Honestly, you exaggerate everything, always. She laughed, shaking her head. Take those new clothes off. Ill handle the rubbish.
James grinned, quickly swapping his jacket for an old cardigan. All right, love. Then Im off to catch up on the football news.
The room, suddenly quieter, hummed with ordinary tensiona slice of life teetering on the edge of the absurd.
