Cut Lines

The technician knelt by the wall, his work light reflecting off the hardwood floors where Jacob's wedding used to be. "Just need to disconnect the cable," he said, barely looking up.

Jacob watched his fingers work at the coaxial connection, remembering how he'd once hidden Emily's engagement ring behind a faceplate in this exact spot. She'd found it three weeks ago, right before she walked out.

"You still paying for the premium package?" the technician asked.

"No. Just... disconnect it."

"Got it. You'd be surprised how many people keep it after the divorce. Like the TV's gonna keep them company."

Jacob didn't answer. The house already felt too quiet without her laugh, without her restless energy filling every room. Outside, he could hear rain drumming against the gutters, water sliding down windows like tears he wouldn't let himself cry.

In the corner, the goldfish bowl sat on the floor, its orange inhabitant swimming slow circles. Emily's impulse buy from a county fair—now his responsibility. The fish had outlasted three arguments, two job changes, and finally their marriage itself.

"There," the technician said, giving the cable a final tug. It came away from the wall with a small popping sound. "You're all set."

"Thanks."

The guy packed up his tools, then paused. "Hey, I don't mean to pry, but... is that your dog outside?"

Buster. Emily hadn't taken him—said she couldn't, her new place didn't allow pets. Jacob had found him shivering on the porch last night, pressed against the door like he understood something fundamental had shifted.

"Yeah," Jacob said. "He's mine now."

"Golden retriever?"

"Lab mix."

"Good dogs. Loyal." The technician shouldered his bag. "Well. Good luck, man."

Jacob locked the door behind him and walked to the kitchen. The goldfish swam to the surface, mouth opening and closing in silent rhythm. Jacob sprinkled flakes into the bowl, watching them drift down through water that seemed suddenly too still, too contained.

Outside, Buster scratched at the door. Jacob let him in, and the dog pressed his warm side against Jacob's leg, both of them standing in the quiet house, learning how to be alone together.