Crime & Punishment

She anxiously awaited an important call, and before leaving had reminded him thrice. He'd heard her the first time, of course, but would remember in the future to nod more vigorously.

He'd done his appointed duty, too, answering the phone diligently, feigning sobriety, and recording the important details on a Post-It for later scrutiny.

Now she had returned, still anxious, scuttling and banking about the house. Distracted by her haste he'd neglected to mention the call -- his responsibility mechanism had been disabled the moment he'd hung up the receiver.

He heard the haphazard clogging pause, then redirect toward his whereabouts. As she approached she held the Post-It, appearing ready to stiff arm him with it.

His handwriting was a blurry mess, those two inches from his nose, as she admonished him: "I NEVER WOULD HAVE SEEN THIS."