It was February fifteenth when Walter Nichols woke up with a knot in his back because
his wife of two years, Audrey, made him sleep on the living room sofa. It wasn't
intentional. He didn't forget Valentine's Day on purpose.
The heart shaped box of Russell Stover chocolate was on the coffee table unopened.
He left the house after coming home from his nightly news weathercast to sprint to the
Zippy Mart to get the candy. Technically it was still February fourteenth when he came
home. The digital clock on top of the television read eleven fifty-nine. But Audrey with
the temper to match her red hair threw his pajamas at him and locked the door to their
bedroom. It was now after ten in the morning and the kids were all in school. Walter was
tempted to open the candy box; he could do with a chocolate covered coconut bon-bon
right about now. But he didn't want to sleep on the sofa two nights in a row.
"Audrey," Walter walked in the kitchen and put the box on the table. "How are you
feeling today?" He kissed her on the cheek while she was wiping the counter. There
were no words back to her husband.
"I honestly didn't forget Valentine's Day. And don't you think it's all commercialized
hype, come on."
Okay so that wasn't Walter Nichols' best defense.
"You really don't get why I'm angry do you?" He sat down, he had a feeling his wife had
a lot weighing on her mind.
"I'm not the first husband…"
"Stop right there. It's not about gifts and candy. You should know me better than that.
You are not my first husband. I would have expected Drake (Sr.) to forget. But not you
Walter Nichols for you are better than he is."
"I'm sorry. I didn't even think about your first husband." The one who had her eldest
child's name.
Walter tried to put his hand on top of hers, but she pushed hers away.
"There were no long kisses or warm embraces yesterday. It was just another wheels
keep turning day. Get the kids ready for school and Drake and Josh are ready to leave
the nest soon and Megan, she's so independent already. I'm useless."
Walter got up and placed his hands on Audrey's shoulders.
"One thing you are not is useless." He kissed her softly on her neck.
He was happy when she didn't push back.
Audrey opened the heart shaped box of candy and took out the chocolate covered
coconut bon-bon and placed it in Walter's mouth.
"I love you, Audrey. I'm sorry for being so stupid." He held her hand to help her out of the
chair.
"I love you too, Walter."
The coconut was good but she wasa more satisfying taste. They didn't have to worry
about any kids catching them in the act as they made the way to their bedroom as much
in love today as they were two years ago.