Here's a breakdown of what happens in the end:
* The Confrontation: After a series of events, the protagonist, a woman named Mary, confronts her husband, George, about his infidelity. She discovers he has been having an affair with a woman named Ruby.
* The Revelation: Mary reveals to George that she knows about his affair. She also reveals that she has been secretly leaving the house at night, not to see a lover, but to simply "sit in the darkness." She claims to be able to "see everything," indicating a sense of insight and perhaps an understanding of the complexities of their relationship.
* The Uncertain Ending: George, shocked by Mary's revelation, asks her what she wants to do. Mary replies, "I don't know, George." The story ends with Mary asking George to get her another glass of iced tea, a seemingly mundane request that carries a weight of uncertainty.
Possible Interpretations:
* The end of the marriage: Some readers might interpret the open-endedness as a signal that the marriage is over. Mary's knowledge of George's infidelity and her own mysterious nighttime excursions suggest a growing distance and perhaps a desire for separation.
* A chance for reconciliation: The final request for iced tea could be seen as a gesture of reconciliation. Mary's "seeing everything" might imply that she understands the complexities of their situation and is willing to move forward.
* The beginning of something new: The story's ambiguous ending could also be seen as a turning point for both Mary and George. It might signal the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, whether together or apart.
Ultimately, the ending of "Wide O" is left open to interpretation. Perry leaves the reader to grapple with the complexities of the characters' relationships and the potential for change and transformation.