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All my lamps are on. And the candles and fireplaces. No Mark though.Am I relieved or disappointed?I notice a box on the counter before I can sort my feelings. I head to it.
There’s a red Post-It note?They make red Post-its?It’s a deep red and the pen ink is thick and white.
Dear Wife,
I’m sorry I’m such a gigantic asshole that
I didn’t know this was your preference.
Please forgive me,
Mark
I open the box. It’s tea. A giggle bubbles up and out of me. I really don’t like coffee very much. But it didn’t kill me to drink it and I didn’t want to rain on his coffee parade. It’s the man’s only hobby. There’s another note on the inside of the lid.
Eleanna,
Speak up for yourself! With me and everyone else. If you want tea, you deserve fucking tea and shouldn’t let your shit-for-brains husband shove coffee down your throat.
Fuck that guy. What an idiot.
Mark
I laugh again. I pick out a calming night time tea from the box. It’s a very expensive variety set. At the kettle, I stop short. There’s a stack of my favorite candy bars. There must be ten of them. I feel my face redden. I eat so much chocolate. Though, I didn’t think Mark noticed. I think he’s been snooping.
I don’t hate the snooping, though. It’s effort at least.
But why? Is he afraid I won’t keep his secret? Haven’t I proven myself to him?
I focus on the ritual of making my tea, throw a chocolate bar into my purse and head to my room. No sign of Mark anywhere, which probably means he’s in his secret bunker. So weird.
I push the door into my room, set down my bag and tea and head to the bathroom. But on my way, I catch a view of my closet. Where…a new dress hangs? No, not a dress. I laugh again.
Wife,
This is a robe of appropriate length. Notice it is also a thick, frumpy fabric. Feel free to wear it at all times. All times when I’m not home. Or if anyone who is not me is also here. Otherwise, wear the other one.
You’ll look breathtaking in either of them.
Mark
The robe in my hand is a quilted material in what I would describe as neon red. With roosters on it. And a horrible yellow trim. Where did he even find this thing? I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I head to the bathroom.
Another one.
Ellie,
I miss your notes.
I miss you.
Mark
What!!
Okay. These are not letters from some comrade trying to keep me in line. These are sweet, funny, romantic notes. Wait, what if this is some spy scheme by someone who isn’t Mark who’s trying to get to me? No.
No, Ellie, get a grip.
