For 12 years, I packed Mason’s lunch before leaving for the clinic. Then an office cleaner told me he’d started throwing every container away unopened before taking his attractive new coworker downtown. Three days later, his boss was at our front door carrying a bag I recognized the moment I saw it.
“Doctor, can I ask you something personal?”
Rosa had already gathered her purse and was preparing to leave my exam room.
I’d recognized her earlier from one of Mason’s company Christmas parties, though we’d never had more than a passing conversation.
“Of course.”
She hesitated. “Do you still make your husband’s lunch every day?”
I set my pen down.
That wasn’t the question I’d expected.
Rosa looked uncomfortable. “I thought so.”
For twelve years, packing Mason’s lunch had been one of those ordinary things in our marriage that barely qualified as an event.
or
I wasn’t waking at four in the morning to create decorative sandwiches.
Most nights I portioned something after dinner.
If I had an early shift at the clinic, I finished it while making coffee.
Mason used to kiss my forehead when he took the bag.
I’d tell him they were welcome to marry someone who believed leftovers deserved a second chance.
Then Megan joined his office.
And, according to Mason, extremely knowledgeable about every new café within walking distance of downtown.
“Megan found this place with incredible sushi.”
“Megan says that coffee shop on Fifth actually roasts their own beans.”
“Megan says we have to try that new Thai place.”
I noticed. Of course I noticed.
What happened next changed everything… FULL STORY on the next page.
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