Violet left to chat over coffee with her best friend on a Saturday morning. If the weather permits, they’ll go shopping. Levi sat on the maroon sectional and turned pages in the Seattle Times. He shook his head. A mix of frustration and resignation crossed his face. The black ink read like a diary letter addressed to whatever hysteria would sell. The more things remain without change, the hungrier people become to blame.
Levi, lost in his thoughts, mechanically ate toast with peanut butter and washed it down with a glass of milk. His actions were a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind, which often found its way into his articles.
Levi wrote the article he was reading. He wondered how the garbage made the paper. Levi removed his glasses and set the paper on the coffee table. He turned his head, moving his eyes around—people in the framed pictures on the beige walls made silly faces. There wasn’t a trace of trouble. The world needed more of this, he thought, and less of his articles. Levi stood, dug into his jeans pocket, and retrieved his phone. He unlocked the screen and called his boss, Hudson. Levi thought to run an idea past his boss—an idea that could bring a little more light into the world.
He’d use a pseudonym and pen flowery articles.
“Hudson, hear me out.”
“Levi, people want controversies.” Hudson’s breath cracked through the receiver. “The answer is no.”
Levi blew out his lips. “Okay.”
“I’ll see you on Monday,” Hudson said. “I’m treating a hangover right now.”
“Monday,” Levi said. “Right, Monday.”
Levi ended the call but would follow through with his plan. The rays spread and strengthened as the sun scaled above the horizon. The day’s forecasted clouds overslept their arrival time. Levi shoved his phone back into his pocket and moved to his computer. He opened a Word document.
The blank page scrubbed the white noise from his cluttered excuses for never feeling good enough. Levi looked out of the window. A sprinkler clicked, watering the evenly cut lawn. The brown pine fence that circled the modest yard kept room for their dog, Kipper. Levi smiled and returned his attention to the computer. His fingers pecked away at the keyboard.
Levi wrote a story about the joy dogs bring to a family. He told the story of getting his wife a dog because they couldn’t have kids. Levi’s eyes dampened, begging to release the tears that streamed across his face. He told the story of bringing Kipper along to propose to Violet at a gazabo. His friends lit candles that lined either side like a runway.
Violet returned and shook off her coat. “What’s going on?” She arched a brow.
Levi motioned her over. “Look at this.”
Violet kicked off her boots and approached him. She moved across the room. “What’s this?” she said, looking over his shoulder.
Levi stood up. “Have a seat.” He gestured.
Violet pushed the keyboard back and adjusted the seat.
“What am I looking at?”
“My new article.”
Violet turned to look at him. “It’s beautiful, but it’s about us.”
“It makes you feel good vibes, though.”
“That’s exactly why they won’t publish it.” Violet cupped his cheeks and kissed him. “You’re good at what you do, but we don’t need trouble with Hudson.”
Levi crinkled his eyes, looking at a thought.
“Oh, no,” she said, shaking her head.
“What?” He shrugged.
“I know that look.” Violet looked down and away.
“Trust me,” Levi said, kissing her forehead.
“You know it’s not that.” Violet’s eyes softened.
Levi moved to his desk and finished the details.
“I’ll email it to Roger,” Levi said.
“The other editor?” Violet looked at Levi and closed her book. “I’m not so sure about that.”
“Why?”
“Roger is a drama queen,” Violet said, moving to the kitchen for coffee. She returned and blew steam from the brim of the cup.
Levi paced the hardwood floor for two hours.
“Would you sit down?” Violet said. “You’re giving me a headache.”
Levi’s pocket buzzed. He fished for his phone and opened it.
The Times published the article, and it’s the top-clicked story today.
Levi sighed. “What’s so funny?”
Violet beamed with a grin.
“I’m just reading all the cute comments on your article.”
“It’s better than reading the news,” Levi said.
“Not better than seeing me nude,” Violet said, removing her clothes.
“A happy ending.” Levi bit his bottom lip and stripped.