Impatiently Loved.

"I really wish you would open your eyes sometimes." Marissa sternly declared. "Maybe you would notice obvious things."

I watched her walk out the front door and slam it behind her. From the front windows, I could see her making sure our two boys were buckled in. Then, she got in the car and drove off within the next few minutes.

A big sigh of relief escaped my body.

The house was dead silent. Even our German Shepherd didn't make a sound. He must be asleep in the den, his favorite place. I finally had a day off in 2 years. Today was going to be great. It had to be.

I finally got my business where I want it and money is coming in like expected. Last night, I attempted to surprise my wife and kids with the opportunity of going out of town for a whole week... Instead, I was ridiculed and emasculated.

Marissa had a rough day at work, which is too common now, and vented in the form of hurting me. While our adolescent boys sat at the dining table, she yelled at me. She called me an idiot. She complained about the house being dirty. She complained about having no help with disciplining our sons. She even made a fuss of Max, our dog, not being bathed in a week. A number of things were used as bullets and all those bullets stung worse than hitting your knee on the corner edge of your bed.

When or where did I go wrong ? I understand my wife is tired. I understand her frustration. However, she has not thanked me for anything I've actually tried to help her with. She doesn't even notice that I buy her fresh flowers everyday.

Should I go out and enjoy the day?

Should I stay here and tidy up the house? Make a special dinner for my wife? Send my growing boys to my brother's for the weekend?

It seems like nothing I do is right. Maybe I should mention divorce... I laugh and shake my head. There's no way I'm throwing 12 years down the drain. I love Marissa... I'm still in love with the girl from next door, who had thick, pink glasses and long pig tails. Is she still in love with the curious, tiny boy from next door?

My wife has aged and I will say I have something to do with her heavy bags and daily pale expression. We're in our late 30's now but my wife might be mistaken for older. She doesn't do anything for herself. She barely sleeps in peace. She's always on the run... My God, my wife is crying for help.

I didn't even realize it but I have been cleaning for the past 20 minutes. I guess I plan on having this house cleaner than ever. I should make that call to my brother. It only took 10 minutes. Dan has twin boys around the same age as mine and the boys are really tight. Just like Dan and me growing up. Dan will be picking them up from school, which allows Marissa to come straight home from work.

Her favorite meal is fresh salmon with vegetables and a glass of Pinot Grigio. I've made it before but tonight, I'll change up the seasoning for her. I'll play soft jazz and have a load of lit candles. I'll make her a bubble bath and massage her feet. Tomorrow, I'll take her out all day and do anything she wants. Then Sunday, I'll make her breakfast in bed and never let her lift a finger. My wife needs me and I can't let her down.

The house smells and looks better. Dinner is almost done and Marissa should be arriving at any moment. She's a little late than usual; she should've been home at least 5 minutes ago. The food will stay in the oven until she's at that dining table. I can't wait to see how she reacts to everything, especially the orange roses I bought.

Her car is pulling into the driveway! I jumped out of my lounge chair in the living room and walked straight to the front door. I combed my fingers through my hair; I hope she likes my new haircut. I even trimmed my beard down a little, aiming for a cleaner look. The door is being unlocked and the knob is turning...

Marissa's eyes meet mine and all I see is tiredness across her face.

I step forward, holding out a single rose from the bouquet I bought. She stares at it without smiling. "Welcome home, my dear. I have something special..."

Marissa is shaking her head. She closed the door behind her and her facial expression hasn't changed. She opens her mouth to speak.

"I want a divorce."