Photo: SC Martinez

Published in Exposition Review July 2025 – 2nd Place Winner – Flash 405, April 2025: “Quitting”

1
Dear Mary Lynn,
Saw this still shot from “Grease” and thought of you. Could be us at eighteen, right? I still have that leather jacket you loved to borrow. Breaks my heart. My mouth watered for a Hot Fudge Sundae seeing you at the Dairy Queen every day. I moped for weeks after my parents sent me to college back east. What kind of life would we have had if I stayed? I’ll be in town for our 25th reunion. Want to hook up behind the gym for old-times’ sake?
Love, Hank

2
Hi Hank,
You Hank Miller with the oily jelly roll or Hank Jenson with the bad acne in Henderson’s English class? I try to see the sunny side of life and I never look back. I sprinted out of graduation like my shoes were on fire. I buckled down, like Mama always said, eyes on the prize. Got my associate’s in one year and married Henry when he finished med school. I own three Dairy Queens now.
ML

3
Dear Mary Lynn,
I’m really happy for you. Have kids? We just had one before Donna left me for her boss. Finally, my boy has a steady job at the power plant in Corpus. Luckily, they sealed his juvie record. He sees me every Christmas. A good boy—loves his dad. You changed much? My hair is mostly sprayed on, and my chest moved south. Gravity’s a killer. I’d love to see you if you can make it.
Hopefully, Hank

4
Hi,
I’ll be there. Keep your eyes peeled for a blond driving a red Camaro, V8. All those losers will shrink like salted slugs when I walk in. Henry’s touring colleges with our oldest. Perfect SATs, class president, top-ranked in squash, and plays oboe with the regional orchestra. Harvard’s interested. How will I know you? Wear a red carnation maybe?
ML

5
Hi Mary Lynn,
I flew in, rented a Crown Victoria, and drove to the hall. Saw you walk in, looking like a million bucks. I couldn’t get out of the car, so I went to DQ. I’ve been such a fool. My Hot Fudge Sundae dripped all over my hired tux and I had to pay extra to get it cleaned. I should’ve stayed with you or come back after I graduated. Quitting you was the stupidest thing I ever did, and I’ve done plenty. I need a do-over.
Hank