Title: Husband

Author: Half-Human

Summary: short thoughts of a distressed Addie. Set back in NY when her marriage was suffering.

Disclaimer: I'm a poor college student. Does it sound like I own anything? ;p (GA isn't mine, don't sue ; p)

A/N: this is a VERY short piece inspired by the writing style of Junot Diaz ( this man rocks). Experimental--Please R/R

-8-8-8-

Husband was late again. Third time this week, fifth time I found myself paying for one at our favorite restaurant. "I had work," he says all the time.
Work.

Husband loves work.

Husband thrives off of it. It is his life. He cherishes it and talks about it whenever he gets a chance. While discussing his work he softens up and the edge in his voice vanishes. Neurosurgery, brain tumor, MRI scans—these words excite him. His work is life, but there was once a time that I used to be part of that life. There was once a time where I warmed him up and a smile from me would send him into a frenzy of joy.

There was a time when work did not define him. He used to keep his word, he used to acknowledge when he was distant. Husband knew when we needed to speak, he used to sense when I was in need.

But he is not the same man.

His hugs are cold, his kisses are fleeting, and his words are rushed. Husband was taken from me, because the man sleeping beside me now is not the man I fell for. This man hesitates before holding me, actions which are awkward and uncomfortable. His hands feel rough and unforgiving against my skin. This man does not look me in the eye. He leaves without a word, comes home whenever he pleases, and stopped saying his "I love yous" long ago. When he speaks my name, "Addison," it sounds forced, jagged--ugly.

The nearness of him frightens me and his breathe against my neck makes me cringe because he is no longer Husband, but a mere stranger.

-8-8-8-

A/N: I know, super short. I just had to write it though. I was wondering how Addie felt back in NY and soo..yeah. Please read and review, thoughts and opinions are really appreciated. Thanks! Again, writing style was inspired by a chapter in DROWN by Junot Diaz.

--oh, and I promise I'll get back to my other fic. This was short, so I figured I'd post. I have an xmas story in the making, should be up soon.