For the Hogwarts Forum
National Housewife Day: Write about a housewife
"Spies Are Forever": remember
Petunia Dursley is up to her elbows in suds and dirty dishwater when she realizes she isn't satisfied.
She remembers being young and dreaming of the day she would be a trophy wife. In her wildest fantasies, she would picture herself happy and with a wealthy husband. Money would never be an issue, and she would be so happy.
She doesn't know what's changed. As she rinses the soap from the final pot, however, she feels it. This is the life she has always wanted, but now her mind yearns for something more.
Being a housewife is nice. She would never dare complain about it. After all, her only conflicts are ever what to watch on television or which neighbor to spy on. It's a comfortable life.
As the years pass, though, she realizes that she wants more. Dudley is away at university, and she doesn't have him to care for. Vernon rarely needs her for anything other than a hot meal and a warm body to lay with at night.
She places the pot to dry, a small frown tugging at her lips. There has to be something more to life than this.
…
"What are you looking at, dearest?" Vernon asks.
Petunia glances up. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't even heard him come in. Now, she realizes she should have started dinner an hour ago.
"Well?" Her husband moves closer, plucking a pamphlet from the pile of papers before her. "What's this?"
"I thought I might go to nursing school."
She braces herself. Vernon does not like change; he's worked so hard to give her this life, and admitting she wants to try something different almost feels like a betrayal. While her husband has never been violent man, he still has a temper. She doubts he will like this.
Petunia glances up at him. His face hasn't turned red, and she takes that as a good sign.
"What's brought this on?" His voice is surprisingly gentle.
"I… I want to do something with my life," she answers.
Vernon offers his hand; she accepts, allowing him to guide her to her feet. He wraps her in a warm embrace, and she smiles. Maybe he doesn't like change, but he seems to accept this. Then again, he has never been able to deny her anything.
"You're sure about this?"
"Yes."
He places a kiss to her lips before pulling away. "How about takeaway tonight?" he asks. "You relax, and we'll find you a program."
Petunia feels a flutter in her chest. Slowly but surely, she will find her happiness. She's grateful that Vernon will be there along the way.