Page 39 of Something Old

The house has been so quiet - it feels empty.

Leora has created quite a distance between us. I’ve noticed. Of course, I’ve noticed. It’s impossible not to notice.

The first day it was pleasant. Peaceful. I thought she was just having a quiet day. But then it happened again the next day, and I was confused. I tried to talk to her while we were both making coffee that morning - but she was off.

I tried to talk to her one evening after she was out all day, and she gave me one worded answers before carrying her dinner up to her room and eating behind a closed door.

Her bedroom door is always closed now.

I eat alone.

I have coffee alone.

It feels like I live alone.

And - I don’t like it.

So, now it’s been a week. And I hate to admit it - but I miss how annoying she was.

I miss the sound of her laughter. I feel like I should have paid more attention to what she was saying when she was telling me stories.

I miss her. It’s so weird to admit that.

And it’s annoying me.

I think I know what to do though.

Just to get her to stop avoiding me so much and spend a tiny bit of time with me. I’ll pull her own trick on her. A candlelight dinner.

She’s made it twice for me so it’s obviously something she enjoys.

I’ll do the same for her.

Picking up the phone I message the chef who should arrive later today.

Me: Dimitri, I need you to make something special for tonight. Three courses. Main dish must be lobster. I want the dining room to look like a five-star restaurant.

Dimitri: yes, sir. I’ll stop at the market on my way to you and pick up fresh ingredients. You will be very impressed with your dinner. I assure you. How many guests?

Me: It is a dinner for my wife and me. Dinner at eight.

I might not be as good at cooking as she is - but I can still make this great.

Leora arrives home just before eight and I make sure I am waiting at the door to open it for her.

“What?” she jumps as I pull it open as she reaches for the handle on the other side.

“What are you doing here?” She asks, a little out of breath from her fright.

“Welcome home. I’ve had a special dinner prepared for us. I hope you haven’t eaten yet.”

She bites her lower lip. I love it when she does that.

“Um - I haven’t. But I’m tired.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t keep you up late. You have to eat something.”

I take her shopping bags from her and set them aside, hang her coat on the hook near the door and lead her through to the dining room with my hand resting on her lower back. Sparks flying from my fingertips against her skin.

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