Cause and Defect

Melvin was dying. He was old, very old. He had seen much suffering in his life. Trudy, his wife, was seated on the edge of the bed, wiping his brow. They had lived together for more than seventy years.

“Tell me, Trudy, do you remember the Depression years when we barely had enough to get by?”
“Of course I remember. I was with you through all that,” Trudy answered.
“Do you remember the lean years after the war when I was working 2 jobs and going to school?”
“Of course. I was with you then too my love.”
“Were you with me when I lost my job?”
“Of course my love, I’ve always been with you, always.”

Melvin was silent for a moment. Then he looked at his loving wife.

“You see Trudy, I think you’re bad luck.”