A Fine Death

Ed Keegan suddenly gets the urge to clear the clutter in his house. He attacks this buildup of unwanted stuff with aggressive intensity, throwing out all kinds of things while continually seeking more efficient methods.

As beneficial as this clearing out might appear, there are signs from the outset that Keegan's problem runs deeper than traditional clutter. His wife Chelsie left him a year ago for what he calls an idiot stockbroker. Now Keegan still lives in the house they shared, and he misses her every day.

With the divorce final, Keegan looks for a pathway to a brighter future. He's not convinced that uncluttering the house will help but he throws himself into the effort. He's resourceful in finding ways to move out unwanted items, but is easily angered by bumps in the road. People who cross him in even small ways are quickly tagged with harsh labels.

Clearing the clutter rapidly becomes a manic purge as Keegan descends into his self-assigned task with maddening obsession, and though he wants Chelsie back he's eager to toss out items she gave him or left behind.

Keegan's shedding of possessions morphs into other troubles, including a fading connection to his job that he can't hide. Before long, he finds himself adrift from reality and finally does something he thinks will make him whole.

Words: 8,100

Dettagli