Worthing Flash

Eyes Like Mine by Christopher Mattravers-Taylor I open the restaurant door to the bell’s familiar jingle. I sit where I can watch the kitchen entrance for her, and barely notice the lanky youth taking my order. She emerges from the kitchen, laughing over her shoulder. Time has only accentuated the beauty that captivated me for one shining night a lifetime ago. She spots me and pales. “You’re back at last.” Sitting opposite, she blinks back tears. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t find you. To tell you.” The youth returns with coffee, and she smiles. “This is my son.” I meet his eyes, a moody green. My eyes.

“ Surprise” They waited for me inside the office, but I came prepared. Did they think me stupid? All week, their conversations dwindled when I approached. Their eyes lingered before darting away. “You’re paranoid,” my wife said. Could she be involved? I stared at the bedroom ceiling until dawn painted it grey. Then I overheard hushed voices while hiding in the toilets: “We’ll get him tomorrow.” I stepped through the doors and into their ambush. Whipping out the gun, I fired with frantic abandon. “Surprise,” my wife said, slumping to the floor. The birthday cake slid from her lifeless hands. Christopher Mattravers-Taylor  Author bio: favourite hot sauce: Encona.