Tender Institution began at the hour Daniel and Evelyn had stopped needing to agree on. Daniel sat upright with the popcorn balanced between them. Evelyn occupied the far end of the sofa, wine in hand, her body angled towards the screen and away from him. Paolo was explaining the emotional consequences of neglecting an artificial plant. Daniel liked programmes with instructions. Evelyn liked wine.
When the screen went black, Daniel moved at once. He pulled the television away from the wall, separated the cables with both hands, and restored the only conversation in the room.
Once the picture returned, Daniel took his usual place and opened the popcorn with the quiet satisfaction of a man whose responsibilities had ended. The bowl sat between them, warm and ceremonial. On-screen, Paolo announced that sequins were destabilising the market. Daniel leaned closer. Evelyn watched him listen.
They had become very good at facing the same direction.
A piece of popcorn fell onto the carpet. Daniel picked it up, examined the butter and salt on his fingers, and ate it anyway. Evelyn reached into the bowl, then withdrew her hand before the rest of her could follow.
“We could sell everything,” she said.
“Start a new life.”
Daniel turned towards her—surprised, almost offended, as though she had changed the channel without asking.
“You’re not serious.”
The signal held. The market fell. The marriage stayed on.
Cut to black.
Broadcast ongoing. Record incomplete.
