Sam was checking the account history of the family's bank account on the dining table in the kitchen. She didn't see Jack coming into the kitchen as she was focused on several documents and counterchecking with the family's notebook.
Jack was hesitant. He had figured out in the past days that Sam was indeed a housewife. The point wasn't saying that being a housewife was bad or good. But Sam… Jack had never imagined she would drop her career. It still remained unclear if she said goodbye to her career because she wanted to do so or because someone, in this case, Jack, pushed her to do so. Honestly, Jack had absolutely no idea of how to bring up that delicate topic. It had to be done smoothly anyway.
The family man approached his wife. She drew a line on the notebook with a pencil.
"Sam?" Jack said while sitting on a chair beside her.
Sam mumbled without looking at her husband.
"Uh... Can I ask you a question?" Jack said.
"Yes?" the lady accepted, taking a document and glancing at it.
Jack waited. Why, he didn't know. Then, he blurted out, "Are you happy?"
His question stopped Sam in her task. She lifted up her head and looked at Jack.
"Yes, I am." she replied, surprised by Jack's curious query.
"You'd tell me if you weren't, wouldn't you?" the husband insisted.
Sam was now worried. "Jack? Is everything okay?"
"Yes, yes! Everything's okay, honey." Jack assured.
That wasn't a lie. Everything was even more than okay, except that detail that was bothering Jack. Sam suddenly smiled. It was Jack's turn to be surprised.
"Hum, I see." Sam said, sinking in her chair and placing her left hand on her chin. "You're in a late mid-life crisis." she stated, removing her hand from her chin.
Jack frowned. He didn't expect Sam to think about that option.
Sam held Jack's left hand that was on the table. She looked him in the eye and reassured, less anxious, "A few years ago, I thought I would never be with you. I almost married another man.". Sam chuckled. She stopped, realizing it could sound like she was making fun of this guy. "No, poor Pete. He was a nice guy. But he wasn't the one. You are.". Sam smiled and continued, "Look at me now. I'm with you, we're raising our children. I did what I had to do to get this. I'm fine, Jack. I'm happy, don't worry."
Sam approached her husband and kissed him. Being kissed by this woman was an absolute delight. Jack smiled.
"If you want to buy a new car, just let me know." Sam begged her husband to avoid any surprise due to what she thought was his mid-life crisis arriving late.
The general wanted to ask another question but the bell rang. Sam moved her head towards the living room.
"It must be the pizza delivery person." the housewife declared.
"I'm on it." Jack said.
The man stood up to get the pizzas. Sam had confirmed she was happy. Perhaps Jack should stop overthinking?