Hey, you get mixed up with an Oreck, you're gonna get cleaned. Maybe too clean. Don't cling to the past, baby, 102 MPH'll suck it all away.

Out in the living room, Ernie was happy as a clam. "Boy! This Oreck, huh? I'm telling ya, it's a refurb, but it's got a 102 MPH suction, and that's nothing to sneeze at. And did you notice that stylish incandescent light in the front? Like I'm vacuuming up space dust! Ha ha! Marjorie, baby, with an Oreck like this, nothing's gonna stop us now!"

Marjorie smiled at the non-marring bumper guards. But there were no non-marring bumper guards on her heart.

Stan had agreed with her, right before he packed his case and said goodbye. "It's better this way, Margie. Let him think he's won. He'll do the right thing by you."

Marjorie closed her eyes and turned her head away. The soft hum of Stan's Oreck pulled her back.

"Is that-"

"The Sanibel System." Stan didn't look up. "Locks dirt in the bag."

"So it's easy to dispose of," Marjorie whispered.

Stan pushed the lightweight vacuum to a halt. It was so light, he barely even had to move his arm.

"When I go, I'm taking the bag. And my memories. I want you to have this."

Stan pushed the Oreck into Marjorie's hand. Marjorie couldn't meet his eyes. Stan didn't force her to.

"It's the lifestyle, kid. Don't hate the player. Hate the game."

"Just go," Marjorie whispered. "Just go."

But as the door closed, and Stan's footsteps vanished down the hall, Marjorie knew. She knew this Oreck Upright Vacuum would be the only vacuum she could ever truly love.

That having been said, she was kinda happy to be rid of Stan. Don't hate the player? Who even still talked like that at his age? What a mistake, sheesh.

Back to top