Islands
written by: Susan Cornford
Darren and Joan arrived at the island resort together to work on their marriage.
Joan collected tour brochures; Darren gazed through the window at the golf course.
In their room, Darren turned on the TV and flicked through the choices; Joan headed for the bath and provided toiletries.
Joan ordered mineral water; Darren had a double brandy.
In the resort disco Darren danced every dance; Joan had a headache and went to bed early.
“Where have you been, what have you been doing and who have you been doing it with?” Joan stood in her bathrobe, drinking coffee in the morning light.
Darren stumbled and started pulling off what remained of his clothing. Suddenly he turned and blazed at his wife, “You know this isn’t going to work, don’t you?”
Joan left later that morning. Darren spent the rest of the time in revelry. Their isolation was complete.
Susan Cornford
