Heaved a sigh
Then made the choice
She’d always made
And always would
Don’t let the bastards get you down
She whispered
Drew another breath
Don’t let the bastards get you down
She said
Drew another breath
Don’t let this bastard get you down
She growled
Then held what remained of her breath
Until she could hold it no longer
Then simply let the breath go
And with it went all the bastards
Even the one who stood before her
Who knew her well enough
That there was no coming back
Once the door closed behind him
She listened for the squeaky hinge
The groaning spring
As the door slammed shut
With satisfying finality
Boots clattered across the porch
Down the steps
Scattering gravel in the drive
A creaky metal door opened
Then screeched shut
Two roars of an engine
The second sprayed gravel
Onto the porch
While the roar drew away
Into the insurmountable distance
Just as he had over the last month
Soon enough the birdsong dispelled her reverie
And when she opened her eyes
The world already seemed brighter
With nary a bastard in sight
