Cheating

By R. N. Park

Why stop now?

The singular question ran through Gloria's mind. Why should she stop now? She'd been getting away with it for so long, why stop?

She darted to the window and peeked out the drapes. Her husband wouldn't be home until later that evening. He would never find out. Gloria turned away from the window. Her conscience was telling her "no" but that hadn't stopped her before. Her mind was already made up.

Gloria hurried to the closet for her coat. She slipped is on, tied a scarf around her auburn hair and finished her disguise with a pair of dark sunglasses. She grabbed her purse, paused for a second to look in the mirror, and rushed out the door.

She hopped into the car, after glancing around for neighbors. It purred to life and backed out onto the road. Her destination was close and one she'd been to many times before. Last time, she said she'd never go back, that it was over. Yet here she was again, making the same turns onto the same roads compelled by something she couldn't explain, or care to.

Thoughts of her husband fluttered through Gloria's mind. She knew it was wrong to cheat like this, the pain it would cause her husband if he ever found out. He loved her so much.

Gloria quickly banished the thoughts. It was too late to turn back now, she would just have to tread carefully.

The car pulled smoothly into the parking lot. Once the engine turned off she exited the car and walked up to the front door. Not pausing once she pushed to door open and proceeded to the counter.

"Welcome to Sappy Burger. Can I take your order?"

"Hi, I'd like a double cheese burger combo, with extra cheese."

"Would you like to jumbo size that today?"

"Yes, please. That'd be wonderful."