Michael trudged home from the offices endofyear party just before dawn. His wife, Emily, pretended to be sound asleep. He slipped into bed beside her and drifted off almost instantly.
When Emily rose at first light, she discovered a lipstick mark on Michaels shirt. At the same moment her phone buzzed with a text.
Grabbing the handset, she read: Good morning, love!
The sudden greeting made her sit up in shock. She hadnt expected any surprise from Michael.
They had already enjoyed ten happy years of marriage, and two delightful daughtersfive and ninewere still tucked away, fast asleep in their bedroom.
Emily felt the urge to launch into an argument, but she managed to hold herself back.
She padded into the bathroom, let a few tears fall, and tried to compose herself.
This is the easiest thing, she thought, to start a quarrel. Yet any fight now could push him further away. And if he left, could I raise two children on my own?
She took a quick shower, dried her hair with a blowdryer, and styled it. Then she set about making breakfast. Michael awoke closer to lunchtime.
Oh, this is exhausting, he groaned.
Would you like a cuppa? Emily offered with a forced smile.
Summoning a genuine grin took effort, but after she brewed the coffee she turned to him.
Michael, I hope you wont be stuck at work tomorrow. I have a second shift, and Ill need to collect Lily from preschool.
Of course, of course, he replied.
Emily worked as a hairdresser in a bustling salon in Manchester. After her second shift the next day, she returned home with a box of chocolates.
Whats the craving for sweets? Michael asked.
Just a client gave them to me. Hes one of my regulars and wanted to thank me.
Michael turned the box over in his hands.
Those chocolates arent cheap! Why did you accept them?
Michael, whats the problem? He didnt ask me out on a date.
The conversation died there. A few days later Emily arrived home from work clutching a lavish bouquet of roses.
Is that from the same client? Michael called from the doorway.
Michael, Emily began, you lingered after work yesterday. I didnt ask where youd been or who you were with. And this is just a bouquet.
Later that evening, after finishing her second shift, Emily stepped out of the salon and found Michael waiting outside.
Michael, did you leave the girls on their own? she fretted.
Nothing to worry aboutI tucked them into bed. I thought Id meet you at the car.
Its only a fiveminute walk, Emily protested.
When they finally got home, Michael turned to his wife.
Emily, may I meet you at the door after every second shift?
Whats that supposed to mean? Are you jealous? she asked.
Sort of, Michael admitted. Men dont get gifts for no reason.
Fine, Emily replied. I do appreciate the attention. Truth be told, Im a little jealous of those overtime hours of yours. I wonder if someone else is stealing your time.
Youll see, Michael said, smiling. I need nobody but you. The work problems have cleared up; theyve installed new software on the computers, so I can finish everything during office hours. No more late nights.
Soon the trust that had wavered began to mend. Yet now and then, when Emily returned from the salon, she would set another box of pricey chocolates on the kitchen table. Whenever Michael gave her a reproachful look, she would answer with a smile.
But my clients give me these sweets from the heart, and I cant refuse their generosity.
In the end, they learned that open conversation and a little humour are far sweeter than any chocolate, and that honesty keeps a marriage stronger than any gift ever could.