Breaking Point

A weary lawyer mediates a bitter divorce.

Mark Goldberg had been a family lawyer for over twenty years, but today’s mediation felt like refereeing a title fight without gloves.

Daniel and Melissa Price sat across from each other at the long oak table, arms folded, eyes sharp.

“Let’s start with the house,” Mark said, keeping his tone calm. “We can work toward a solution if...”

“She can have it,” Daniel interrupted, “if she stops trying to take my dog.”

Melissa scoffed. “Your dog? You never even walk him.”

Mark raised a hand. “Okay, remember, we’re here to find common ground...”

“There’s no common ground,” Melissa snapped. “I can’t share custody with a man who can’t even remember our anniversary.”

Daniel leaned back. “That’s rich coming from someone who-”

Mark exhaled, setting down his pen. “Let’s focus. We can create a visitation schedule-”

“No.” Melissa’s voice was final.

Daniel turned to Mark, deadpan. “Pretend I’m not here.” Then, to Melissa: “Tell me what you actually want.”

Mark’s eyebrows lifted, but he stayed silent. Years of experience had taught him when to step back.

Melissa’s glare softened slightly. “I want...to not hate you,” she admitted. “But I can’t do that if we keep tearing each other apart.”

Daniel’s jaw worked. “I don’t want us to hate each other either. I just, don’t know how to talk to you without it turning into this.”

Mark leaned forward again. “Then maybe that’s our starting point, not the house, not the dog. Just a way for you two to end this with some dignity intact.”

Silence filled the room. For the first time that day, they both nodded.

Mark picked up his pen. There was still a long road ahead, but at least they were walking in the same direction.

Word Count: 288
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: “Pretend I’m not here.”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"