Summary

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The story unfolds in a seemingly mundane setting: a husband and wife, Ann, are engaged in the routine task of dishwashing. Yet, this ordinary scene takes a dramatic turn when their conversation veers into contentious territory—interracial marriage. The husband expresses his disapproval of such unions, sparking a sensitive dialogue that delves into deep-seated beliefs and assumptions.

A Heated Kitchen Debate

As they clean up after a meal, the couple embarks on a discussion about interracial marriages. The husband is forthright in his belief that African Americans and whites should not marry, citing cultural differences as a barrier to understanding and harmony. Ann, however, challenges his view, questioning his reasoning without branding him a racist. She simply cannot fathom why he sees such marriages as problematic. To bolster his argument, the husband extends his opinion to include the belief that foreigners should also abstain from marrying Americans due to disparate cultural backgrounds.

An Accident and Its Aftermath

The conversation takes its toll on Ann, who becomes visibly upset, leading to a minor accident where she cuts her hand. The husband rushes to provide first aid, tending to the superficial wound with care. Inwardly, he feels a sense of satisfaction for his quick response and hopes it will divert attention away from their uncomfortable exchange. However, Ann resumes the topic, speculating about whether he would have married her if she were African American. He sidesteps the question, arguing that in such a scenario, their paths likely wouldn't have crossed due to differing social circles. Yet, Ann persists, imagining a world where racial differences didn't stand in the way of their meeting and falling in love.

A Reluctant Admission

The husband is put on the spot as Ann pressures him to confront the hypothetical scenario. He tries to reason that Ann would not be the same person if she were African American. Despite acknowledging this, she insists on knowing if he would have married her. Eventually, he concedes that he would not have, a confession that leads Ann to thank him curtly before retreating to the living room, where she immerses herself in a magazine.

Reflections on Silence

The husband's awareness of Ann's anger grips him, and her cold demeanor cuts deep. In an attempt to mirror her indifference, he busies himself with household chores, taking out the garbage and reflecting on their argument. Outside, beneath the glow of town lights, he feels a pang of shame for allowing the situation to escalate. He contemplates their relationship, recalling the closeness and understanding they once shared. Uncharacteristically, he refrains from hurling rocks at the neighborhood dogs, a testament to his preoccupation.

Seeking Reconciliation

Upon reentering the home, shrouded in darkness, the husband finds Ann in the bathroom. He stands outside the door, offering an apology and vowing to make amends. Her response—asking how he plans to do so—catches him off guard. In a low voice, he declares that he would marry her, searching for the words that will mend the rift. Ann's skeptical "We’ll see" is her only reply, followed by a suggestion for him to go to bed. As he settles under the covers, Ann instructs him from the hallway to switch off the light, which he does, plunging the room into darkness. Listening intently to her movements in the blackness, he finds himself listening for the sound of someone unfamiliar, an echo of the earlier discord.

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