The answer was not what he expected – Chapter 1

Barry and Millie had been married for 10 years. They had wanted a family but after trying for several years and having tests done they were told it wouldn’t happen. They were heartbroken but they had to learn to bare it. However they seemed to have lost that spark. Intimacy become less and time together waned. Barry tried to engage but Millie seemed to be just going through their times together as more of a duty rather than a joy. There was a coldness that threatened to totally freeze up.

It was a Friday when Barry returned from work to find Millie unusually happy. She only worked part-time at the moment and Friday was one of her days off. “Hi” she said cheerfully and gave Barry a passionate kissed. Barry was a bit surprised. Lately it had been a nod only when he got home. “Hello” he said “you sound happy”. She just smiled. The sort of smile that had been missing for years. He went into the living room and picked up the paper. “Don’t get too comfortable” Millie called out “dinner will be ready in 15 minutes”. He read the paper until Millie yelled out “it’s on the table sweetheart”. Sweetheart? She hadn’t called him that since….he couldn’t remember when.

He went into the dining room to find his favourite, fish and salad. “That looks nice” he said and looked at his wife. She seemed to be glowing. He sat down and they ate their meal. “How was your day” Millie asked. “Oh you know, ok I guess. Nothing out of the ordinary”. He looked at his wife and begun to wonder if she had been drinking. Something must have got her in a good mood. “I’ll tidy up” she said “you go and finish reading your paper”. He went back into the living room and picked up his paper. He heard Millie in the kitchen humming to herself while she washed up. Now he really begun to wonder what was up.

Millie came back into the room. “I splashed water on my dress” she said “I will just go and change” and disappeared into the bedroom.