Mary returned home from work and immediately sensed something peculiara few of her husbands belongings were missing. She wandered through the flat, heart thudding in her chest, inspecting every nook and cranny with a detectives eye. The summer shirts and bottles of shower gel and shaving cream had vanished into thin air. So, he really did it!
Months ago, they had discussed a holiday together, both picturing sandy shores and salt breezes. Her husband dreamed of distant resorts, somewhere the tea tasted sweeter and the sun always shone. Mary backed his plan, already imagining herself swimming in a warm sea, strolling along the golden beaches, her hair catching the sunlight.
Oddly enough, each of them was to buy their holiday package with their own money. It was strange, but in their house, that was just the way the wind blewa separate budget for each. Mary had grown used to counting her pounds and pence every week. Her husband had asked how shed pay for her trip, as all her savings had been spent on doctor’s fees.
Mary realised what he meant. She asked if he might lend her the shortfall, promising to repay him with her end-of-summer bonus. He just shrugged and retreated to his laptop, tapping away in a world of his own.
He had a rule: never lend money to anyone. But surely, for his wifesomeone he lovedhe could bend a little? Most families didnt have to fight over coins for groceries, but in their home, sometimes Mary had to beg for the cost of bread and milk. Yes, it happened.
They spoke several times about their finances, but her husband only listened in silence. He insisted the holiday wasnt cancelled, but his words hung in the air, meaning something else altogether.
His own leave arrived and he slipped away, leaving Mary alone in a stifling flat. She realised hed gone solo, hoping to spare himself extra expense. Mary felt deeply insulted; he didnt even bid her goodbye before vanishing.
Mary called her mum, pouring out all the tangled thoughts. The older woman couldnt fathom how her son-in-law could behave so coldly. Her mum suggested that Mary visit and spend her holiday togetherwhat sense was there in sulking in four walls? Mary agreed, her heart a little lighter.
Upon arriving at her mothers cottage, Mary learned her brother and his family were off to the seaside. Her sister-in-law suggested Mary tag along, and she was overjoyed by the invitation. At last, Mary saw clearlyshe had chosen the wrong man. He neither valued her nor wished to sacrifice anything for their shared future.
Ten days later, her husband returned to their flat to find it empty. Hed misplaced his keys as well, fumbling at the front door, until a kindly neighbour lent him a spare set.
Mary was gone. On the kitchen table, a note sat at the centre of a half-drunk mug of tea: Ive taken my things. Divorce soon. Hope your trip was delightful.
At that moment, her husband felt regret rip through him, but it was already much too late.
