Summary

The short story “Bedtimes” by Tim Parks follows a week in the life of a husband and wife named Thomas and Mary. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, Thomas and Mary go to bed at different times. Every evening, they both find excuses to avoid going to bed together. 

On Thursday evening, Mary refuses to watch a movie with Thomas and Mark, their teenage son. Mary leaves to walk Ricky, the family dog, and ...