Happiness

 

He wanted to live off grid in the forest. She wanted to live by the lake.

They bought their land in the forest and built their little home.

They lived off grid, and she learned to use lanterns and pump water.

For half a century, they lived this way, and he was happy.

She was happy because he was happy.

Then, he died.

She called the electric company.

They had to remove a swath of trees to set the poles, and as she walked the open space, she couldn’t believe her eyes.

Their land had bordered the lake all along.