The Cuckold Clock (for Elle)

INT – LOUNGE ROOM – DAY
A man dressed entirely in one colour stands against a wall, resembling a grandfather clock. He addresses the camera directly.

CLOCK
I was married for 5 glorious years to the most beautiful
woman I had ever met. I never suspected anything. She had
my complete and utter trust. It was what our love thrived on.
(pauses)
For two whole years she was cheating on me! And I never
suspected a thing! I was such a failure as a man and a husband
that she chose to insult me with not only infidelity but also
dishonesty.
(pauses)
I’m a wreck. I still can’t get used to putting ‘ex’ in front of
‘wife’. Why, oh why, did she have to cheat on me?
I’m a nice guy, right?

Now another man walks into shot. He is getting ready for something and is about to leave the house.

MAN
(curtly)
What’s the time?

CLOCK
(wipes eyes, checks watch)
Ah, it is eight-thirty...now.

MAN
Thank you.
(then, under his breath)
Bloody cuckold clocks.

As the man leaves the room a title appears. It says ‘the Cuckold Clock: His wife won’t give him the time of day - and now he’ll give it to you!’