There’s no creamer, he said.

In the back of the fridge,  she replied. You have to move stuff around. It’s in there. The pumpkin flavored. The one you like, she got up from her chair.

I don’t see it.

Look, she pushed him aside. Behind the lettuce. See? Coffee creamer.

What’s lettuce doing on the top shelf ? It belongs in the crisper down below, he told her. He opened the bottle and poured some in his cup.

It doesn’t matter. The crisper does nothing. Vegetables still rot, she closed the refrigerator door. You can put the lettuce anywhere. A tomato, same difference.  These are just things they do to entice you. Makes you want to buy it. It’s cold either way.

That’s not true. That’s not what the salesman said.

They’ll say anything. 

Yes. I understand that. But I think he was sincere about the crisper. I don’t think he’d lie about such a thing, he said, stirring his coffee around.

You’ll believe anything. You probably think I love you.

Don’t you?

I don’t know. All this time. Not sure anymore. Weeks go by, and I think I still love you, but I don’t know. Maybe I just depend on you.

Depend on me?

Yes. Help with the kids. Bills. A roof over my head. That sort of thing.

How long have you felt like this?

A while. A while.

What do you want ?

I don’t know. I like security. It’s safe here. Almost easy. Too easy. The kids are gone all day. I make meals. Hold your hand. And that’s all that’s required.

Yes, he opened the door. Let me know when you figure it out.

Sure, she placed her arms around him. Have a good day. She kissed him on the cheek.

Another requirement?

Yes, dear.