Jack and Mary were married for 23 years and raised four children. Mary devoted herself completely to her home and family. Her days passed in endless hustle and bustle: cleaning, cooking, laundry, helping the children with their lessons, taking care of the youngest.
And Jack? He would come home from work, flop down on the sofa and watch TV until dinner was served.
Despite her fatigue, Mary dreamed of one thing: spending an evening alone with her husband, like in the old days. A romantic dinner, a quiet conversation-anything to bring back their intimacy.
Contents
Heartbreak
Awareness
A second chance at love
Heartbreak
One day, after finishing cleaning, Mary caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. In the reflection, she didn’t see the cheerful girl she used to be. She was met with the tired, haggard look of a woman who felt forgotten.
That evening, when Jack returned from work, Mary plucked up her courage.
‘Jack, I was thinking… Why don’t we go out? There’s a new restaurant in town. Why don’t we spend the evening together?
She smiled, hoping for a warm reply.
But Jack only grinned coldly.
Have you seen yourself in the mirror? – he spat out. – You look awful. I’m not going anywhere with you.
Mary felt her heart clench.
I’ve just been cleaning all day…that’s why I look like this…
But Jack didn’t even stop.
Even when you cry, you look bad. You want the truth? I’m ashamed of you. I can’t go out in public with you.
With those words, he slammed the door behind him.
Realisation
That same night Jack went to his friend Samuel’s house and offered him a drink.
Sorry, mate,” Samuel refused. – I’ve got a date with my wife. Taking her to that new restaurant.
Jack was surprised.
Just then Samuel’s wife appeared on the stairs. She looked great: beautiful, happy, with a bouquet of flowers in her hands.
Jack just shook his head:
Wow, Sam… Your wife is just radiant. You’re so in love… Mine is always sullen, hardly ever smiles.
Samuel looked at him seriously:
You know, Jack, I try to make her happy every day. She’s the light in our house. She deserves to be loved and cared for.
Those words struck Jack like a bolt of lightning.
He suddenly realised it was what Mary had been trying to tell him all along.
Thank you, Sam… I’m going to go home.
A Second Chance at Love
When Jack returned, he brought Mary a small gift.
I’m sorry for what I said. I was wrong. Why don’t we go to that restaurant tomorrow night? I’ve already made a reservation.
Mary looked at him in surprise. And then… she smiled.
The same smile that had once won his heart.
The next night, Jack watched Mary’s transformation with admiration. She looked amazing. And then he realised…
The most beautiful woman had always been by his side.
From that day on, Jack and Mary made a promise to each other: to nurture their love and cherish each other.
And this change brought happiness not only to them, but to the whole family.
