"Audrey, you used to help me with my tie every morning. Are you too tired lately?"
"Once things settle down, how about we take a trip to Norway to see the aurora as a family?"
Norway? I thought he had long forgotten.
When we first got married, he had promised, personally and earnestly, that he would take me to Norway for our honeymoon. But every time I brought it up, he found an excuse, a reason, a sudden obligation. Eventually, I stopped asking.
Now, after all these years, he was bringing it up on his own. Yet, instead of excitement, all I felt was indifference.
"Today is your birthday. Come home early tonight; I have a gift for you."
He hesitated, looking awkward. "I have an important business dinner. I might be home late."
I let out a soft chuckle, effortlessly exposing his lie. "With Ava, right?"
His eyes dropped. "I promised her I’d spend my 40th birthday with her."
Then, as if realizing how it sounded, he quickly added, "It’s just a meal; nothing else will happen."
I smiled, pretending to believe him. "I trust you. Just don’t forget to open the gift I prepared for you tonight."
"You’ll never forget it."
He pinched my cheek, and for once, I didn’t pull away.
"Love you, wifey."