Michael gets back from the office party just before dawn. His wife, Emily, pretends to be fast asleep. He slips into bed beside her and immediately drifts off.
When Emily gets up in the morning, she spots a tube of lipstick on Michaels shirt. At the same moment her phone buzzes with a text.
She picks up the handset and reads: Good morning, love!
Emilys heart stops. She never expected such a surprise from her husband.
They have already enjoyed ten happy years of marriage. Two lovely daughters, five and nine, are still tucked in their own bedroom, sound asleep.
Emily wants to confront Michael straight away, but she holds back.
She walks into the bathroom, lets the tears flow, and tries to pull herself together.
This is the easiest thing, she thinks. Start a fight. Yet any argument now could push him away. And if he leaves, how will I raise two kids on my own?
Emily steps into the shower, rinses, towels off, blowsdrys her hair, and styles it. Then she begins to make breakfast. Michael finally awakens around lunchtime.
Ugh, how hard this is, he complains.
Do you want me to make you a coffee? Emily offers with a forced smile.
She has to summon a lot of effort just to keep that smile on her face. After the coffee is ready, she turns to Michael.
Mike, I hope you wont be late at work tomorrow. I have the second shift, and I need to pick up Vicky from nursery.
Of course, of course, he replies.
Emily works as a hairdresser in a town salon. After her second shift the next day, she comes home with a box of chocolates.
Feeling like a sweet treat? Michael asks as he leans against the doorway.
One of my regular clients gave them to me, Emily says. He always comes in for a trim and thought Id like a little gift.
Michael turns the box over in his hands.
Those chocolates arent cheap! Why did you take them?
Mike, whats the big deal? He didnt ask me out on a date.
The conversation ends there. A few days later Emily returns from work carrying a lush bouquet.
Thats from the same client, isnt it? Michael asks from the hallway.
Mike, Emily stops him. You stayed late at work yesterday, and I never asked where youd been or who you were with. And now you bring a bouquet.
When Emily finishes her second shift and leaves the salon, she sees Michael waiting outside.
Mike, did you leave the girls on their own? she worries.
Nothing, Ive put them to bed. I thought Id meet you at the car, he replies.
Its only a fiveminute walk, Emily protests.
Back home, Michael turns to his wife.
Emily, can I keep meeting you after my second shift?
Whats that supposed to mean? Are you jealous?
Yes, Im jealous, Michael admits. Men dont just hand out gifts for free.
Fine, Ill meet you, Emily concedes, smiling. I love the attention. Honestly, Im jealous of your overtime toowhat if someone else shows up in your life?
Youll see! I dont need anyone else besides you. The workloads finally cleared up. Theyve installed new software on the computers, so Im getting everything done during office hoursno more overtime, Michael reassures her.
Soon the trust that once existed between them rebuilds. Still, from time to time Emily comes home with another box of expensive chocolates. When Michael gives her a reproachful look, she answers with a grin.
But my clients give me these sweets from the bottom of their hearts, and I cant refuse them.
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