The Invitation

One saddening morning, no different from any other, my husband left for work like any other usual day. I stayed by the window, and watched my husband make his way to his job. Today felt different, it felt gloomier compared to prior days. We were almost running out of things to eat, so I went to the nearest food market but the amount of money I had, did not seem to be enough. Today we were eating pot-au-feu again, and I was getting tired of the same. That day my husband came in with a big smile and an enormous white, shining envelope, and as usual I was my ungrateful, saddening self. When I asked him about the letter, he opened it and then read slowly, articulating word for word, as I became overwhelmed with joy and anger at the same time. “The Minister of Public Instruction and Mme. Georges Ramponneau request the honor of M. and Mme. Loisel's company at the palace of the Ministry on Monday evening, January 18th.”I knew what this meant, and I was not ready. I have no dresses, no jewels, nothing, and I know that if I was to even consider attending this ball, I needed to look prestigious, just like the rest of the women that would attend this ball, knowing this I answered in a discourteous manner, and I was not proud as the words flew out of my mouth, but it was too late to back out and they just came out "What do you want me to do with that?”