Fearsome Things by Strong Anthony M

Author:Strong, Anthony M.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: West Street Publishing
Published: 2015-12-29T16:00:00+00:00

Whiter than White

MRS. BARBARA PORTER, Barb to her friends – who numbered precisely one – tore the package open with a zeal usually reserved for Christmas and birthday presents. She plucked the contents from the box, a round plastic container, and squealed with delight.

“It’s here. Finally.”

“What is?” Emily West, the sole recipient of Barbara’s friendship, knew what would be in the box, what was always in the box, but there was a ritual that had to be observed.

“For all your whites, to keep them bright, Whiter than White.” Barb recited the slogan on the plastic container.

“That stuff from the infomercial on Channel 10, oh Barb, you didn’t?”

“I most certainly did. They got red wine out of a white shirt with this. Oil too. You should see what it does to counter tops.”

“I’m sure it doesn’t work half as well as they make out,” Emily said as her friend fawned over what was surely the latest disappointment in a parade of underperforming products that had made an appearance in Barbara’s kitchen over the years. “Why do you always have to watch those infomercials?”

“And just what would you have me watch dear?” There was a hint of condescension in Barb’s voice.

“Why can’t you just watch quiz shows like all the other middle aged women instead of wasting your money on that stuff?” Emily wished she hadn’t agreed to come over for coffee. To tell the truth she rarely had the fortitude to visit her friend these days. That had not always been the case though. Barb had been different before, back in college. It was not until years after that the cleaning fetish had reared it’s ugly head.

“Quiz shows? Why ever would I want to watch those?”

“I don’t know. It’s better than infomercials.”

“Is it?” She placed the tub of cleaning powder on the table as if it were the most precious thing she had ever owned. “I can’t wait to try this stuff.”

“Why don’t you sit down and drink your coffee?” Emily looked at her own drink, at the white plastic spoon and oblong packet of sugar her friend had placed on a folded napkin. This was a new development. Barb had decided that no one could touch her silverware for fear of contamination. Apparently germs were everywhere.

“Nonsense my dear, there’s cleaning to be done.”

Emily sighed. The kitchen was a picture of perfection, scrubbed Formica surfaces, gleaming floor tiles, appliances that looked like they had just come out of the box. “The place is spotless, please sit down, you’re making me nervous.”

“Well, just for a few minutes.”

“Thank you.” Emily reached toward the plate of ginger cookies, her hand hovering as she decided whether to take one. It was a trap of course. There was always a plate of cookies. But where there were sweet treats there were crumbs, and crumbs would not be tolerated. She withdrew her hand and looked wistfully in the direction of the door, toward the umbrella that sat propped against the wall, waiting. The same umbrella she’d dared not open on the way over despite the rain.

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