I had spent the last month building this vacation like a fortress.
The luxury resort, the excursions, the transportation.
I’d secured every reservation.
Roger’s only assigned task had been the flights.
“This is our big anniversary trip.”
Even that felt like a stretch, given how distracted he had been lately.
I never asked to see the tickets.
After twelve years of marriage, it never crossed my mind that I’d need to.
Still, I kept telling myself this trip would be the reset our marriage needed.
Twelve years, three kids, and one long-overdue celebration.
A familiar voice cut across the terminal.
I never asked to see the tickets.
“There they are! Roger, look, the kids are already tired.”
Helen strolled toward me in crisp linen, her designer purse tucked under her arm.
Behind her, Roger followed with a single carry-on.
“Hi, Helen,” I said, straightening up. “Glad you made it.”
“Well, of course I made it,” she replied, glancing at my mountain of suitcases. “My goodness, dear, did you pack the whole house?”
“Roger, look, the kids are already tired.”
“Just the essentials for the kids,” I answered evenly. “Sunscreen, extra clothes, medicine, the usual.”
