LENGTH or DEPTH
~ a short story by Mark Kolke
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This is the first short story posting on this platform - now a weekly feature; I am publishing a fresh or freshened short story, now a weekly feature on this platform, so watch for a fresh read each Sunday.
LENGTH or DEPTH
Prologue …
In the recesses of my files, amidst the relics of the past, I unearthed a hefty tome—the divorce dossier from ….
The absurdity of its volume mocked me, suggesting that discarding it would surely summon a need for some obscure document buried within.
Yet, its presence provoked a dark jest: had I chosen a more sinister resolution, my freedom might have been reclaimed by now—a thought quickly dismissed for its macabre implications. For the slow to pick up: if I’d killed her, I’d be out by now.
In the end, my narrative, like many others, is one not of linear progression but of depth—of experiences that carve the soul, of relationships that shape the heart, and of the unending quest for connection that defines our humanity. As I face the uncertainties of the future, I am reminded that it is not the length of our stories that matters, but their depth, their authenticity, and the imprints they leave on the hearts of those we encounter along the way.
When, I first wrote this story twelve years ago, my story - woven with some characters and situations - and questions of which are deeply-cut personal recollections and which are disguised as ‘other stuff’ to intrigue or entertain the reader - that is your challenge and entertainment of a life which is both real and not real, real and surreal that so many of us can relate to. I’ve updated this story, with some spit and polish and a few added twists to entertain those who might remember an earlier version of this tale of love and loss, of lost and found, of wandering - sometimes aimlessly and some with targeted efforts and the outcomes always surprise …
LENGTH or DEPTH
Going through some old files, I found a thick folder, my divorce file from the demise of Donna, the second Mrs. Logan.
The bloody thing must weigh 15 pounds. It’s 4 inches thick. We were only married for 2 ½ years, had no children or property together and still, it took 3 years to get divorced. I was thinking of tossing it out but I just know, if I do that, the bookkeeper or tax man will come looking for some obscure receipt I can’t produce, so I better keep it.
If I’d killed her, I’d be out by now.