Author's note: below you'll find my first post-PD2 fanfic. In the first chapter Joe comforts his distressed wife. In the second chapter the first chapter is repeated but then with Joe's interior monologue included.

In August 2014 I edited the story for Joe had more thoughts to spare and his wife had more to say.

I'd like to learn what you think of the outside/inside contrast: reviews will be appreciated!

Chapter 1 – Outside

Joe softly pushed open a door to an office. In it stood an antique desk which was empty save for a small calendar, an inkstand and stationary. Behind it Clarisse was writing a letter. She looked concentrated and thoughtful but her throwing down her expensive Meisterstuck spoke a different story.

Joe tiptoed a few steps into the corridor and called out: "Coffee and tea will be ready in a moment." He walked into the office to find Clarisse tearing her letter in two and then four pieces.

"What is it mi amor?"

Clarisse shrugged. "I'd looked forward to write this letter because it would give me a reason to sit down at a desk. Isn't it silly? It is merely a letter to a friend."

"And being a perfectionist the result wasn't to your liking?" Joe lightly suggested. He glanced at some boxes in a corner.

"My signature came out all wrong. How often have I written it down? Thousands of times and now..."

"Wrong surname?" Joe said with a smile.

"I sign with my forename Joseph. As always."

Clarisse pushed her chair backwards and reached under the desk to open a drawer.

"Oh," she said when she discovered it wasn't there. "That's what you get when your granddaughter tells you that she'd love to use your desk and would you mind picking one from the attic? This thing has been here for months now and I'm still not used to it."

"I thought you liked it that Amelia wanted to use your desk."

"Oh please Joseph: what was I to say? You're taking my throne and my castle please let me keep my desk?"

Clarisse rose. Her cheeks were pinkish. "Time for tea," she said with a fake smile.

Clarisse tried to walk passed Joe but he caught her hand and her hip and pulling her near he kissed her head. Clarisse freed herself from Joe's embrace. Not looking at his face she fumbled with his tie.

"This office… It's a farce," Clarisse whispered.

"We can bring your books in here," Joe said, placing his hands on hers. "Make it a library where you can read and write."

Clarisse walked to the fire-place. "I know my staff is capable but wouldn't you want to learn from someone with half a century of experience Joseph?"

"Mia wants to do things her way Corazon."

"She wants me out of the way. At least once a week I ask her whether I can help her. Take over appointments, go abroad – I always get no for an answer. I feel useless."

Joe walked toward his wife. "Clarisse, you've worked very hard for nearly half a century. You and I are retired now."

"You handle it better than I do," Clarisse softly said. She reached out and cupped Joseph's face. He kissed her wrist.

"Why don't you pick up gardening?" Joe said. He put his hands on his wife's waist. "One of the reasons I bought this mansion was its walled garden."

Clarisse stared at Joseph's tie-pin.

"Or you could go to the castle to ride Clarisse."

His wife made a throatily sound.

"It will get better," Joe said, "Spring is nearing, the days are getting longer. Why don't we make a round in our garden after tea? See if you can spare me a spot for a kitchen garden?"

Looking into her husband's eyes Clarisse said: "I didn't know you wanted to have a kitchen garden?"

"Home grown vegetables go with the meals I serve you during the weekend."

Clarisse smiled at Joseph.

"Come my Queen, let's have tea."