It Was Nothing, Ben

[umbrellarising]

You first noticed it that time you met her parents.
Nothing all that alarming.
Gentle strokes on the arm, meaningful glances.
Isn't that what sisters do?
It was nothing, Ben.

The second time was a little concerning.
Her hand disappeared beneath the table.
Her sister smiled in a comfortably aroused way.
You had been drinking.
It was nothing, Ben.

You woke up to an empty bed.
You could hear low voices in her sister's room.
Or was that moaning?
You were groggy from sleep.
It was nothing, Ben.

Your wedding reception.
She disappeared, her sister followed.
You were happy.
You were married.
That night you questioned her.
She shrugged and kissed you.
"It was nothing, Ben."

And she turned out the light.