Spring 2012 Stylus

Oyster Shells Liz and Paul had met through mutual friends, as most couples do. They were at a barbecue at a couple’s house. Liz knew the woman, Leslie, through work and Paul had met the man, Michael, at basketball games. Liz and Paul were both making themselves drinks at the plastic foldout table in the backyard. He approached her. Liz noticed that he seemed confident and pleasant. She was friendly but not friendly—as all women are supposed to be with potential partners. He was easygoing and seemed to know where he wanted to go in life. They were soon knee-deep in a conversation about Spanish wine. The next weekend, they went out to an oyster bar together.

A Few Assumptions Liz and Paul had been together for four years. This was a long time, and it was no surprise that their mutual interest had slightly, over the last year or so, decomposed. Pushed by a vague awareness of loss, Liz had tried, on occasion, to find remedies for the situation.

Of course, she didn’t blame anyone for anything. She knew that Paul, lately, had been failing to find fulfillment in the work place.

Probably, she figured, because his creativity was being stifled. He, perhaps, also lacked ambition in almost all things. He hadn’t been promoted for a long time and she too would be bored if she worked in IT. Liz, on the other hand, made continuous efforts to not let herself slide. In work, she constantly welcomed new challenges, networked, and took measures to distinguish herself from her peer group. Everyone, except Paul, she guessed, knew that this was how to get ahead.

All things considered, Liz concluded that she reaped more from life. And as the happier member of the relationship, it was her duty to fix things.

A Little Reluctance Paul took a few steps back from the sculpture. He tilted his head from one side to the next. He walked up really close and examined the details, running his fingers over the empty pasta boxes Liz had glued together in the shape of a star.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

Liz took the opportunity to sit down across the wall and take a 83