text: The roast was in the oven, and she had just poured herself a glass of Pino Rosso. Glancing at the clock, she had yet half an hour before he would arrive. Enjoying the feeling of the sound of her high heels hitting the hard wood floors, she had decided she might as well tidy up the hallway and throw a load in the washer. He didn't always notice these small gestures, but she enjoyed doing small acts of love for him. Knowing she held a value in their home by making sure he always had a clean shirt and a tasteful meal. The wine was having a slight drowsing effect and she felt as if in a dream-like state when the buzzer went off in the kitchen. 'Would you like me to top up you glass, hon?'. No answer, only eying the plate in front of him. 'Alright then, more for me I suppose'. She rose gracefully from her chair and took a moment to straighten her dress. Walked over to the counter with long strong strides, and topped up her glass. Filling it closer to the brim than the mid. She turned on one heel, and fixed her eyes on him. 'You know, when I make dinner it would be nice to be appreciated once in a while.' His silence and reluctance to meet her eyes was apparent. 'Well then, how did you like the meal?' Being ignored is not the same as being heard. Neither one was under any illusion of which strategy he was choosing. 'Could you at least look at me? Grunt? So I know you can hear me.' He made himself smaller, leaning closer to his plate. Turing again to the counter, she emptied the her glass and spoke as if to the trees outside the window. 'I took the liberty of throwing your shirts into the washer. You could imagen my surprise when I found your yellow button up.' Her nails were digging into the counter, and filled her glass once again. 'I never wear lipstick. You said you didn't want it smudged all over your face.' 'Will you say something!?' 'No, of course, now are be silent.' Turning back towards him, she saw a single line of blood from his temple. She smiled and sat her glass down on the counter. Grabbed her keys and a overnight bag from their shared bedroom. As the car started up in the driveway, she could see the glass though the window. A crisp red lipstick smudge was left on the rim. Matching the new red specks on the wall above the dinner table.