Happy Anniversary! ... Sweetheart?

Beverley Bowen-Evans, Contributor

Paul groaned softly, slowly surfacing into consciousness. His tired body rejected the message from his brain that he needed to get out of bed. He exhaled a soundless sigh, conscious of the still-sleeping figure of his wife, Sylvia, beside him. Today was the last of it. He couldn't do this any longer.

He went to the bathroom. Half-an-hour later, he was dressed. The mound in the bed was gone. He picked up his briefcase and looked around. A light of hope came into his eyes as he reminded himself that today was the last of it. He clutched his briefcase tightly, conscious of the life-changing documents within.

He walked into the kitchen. He was greeted with a travel mug which he would sip as he drove. He looked briefly into her eyes. She looked as tired as he felt. Had it really been 10 years already? Well, tonight, it would be all over. Dutifully, he brushed his lips against her cheek. He wondered if she knew.

"Bye. Have a good day." She murmured.

It was 7:15 a.m. and Sylvia sat at her kitchen island, oblivious to the view of the city beneath her. Is this what it had come to? Her hand trembled slightly as she brushed away the tears which had become her daily companion. She reminded herself that she had resolved that today was the last of it. Tomorrow was their anniversary, but tonight she would have the gift of a lifetime for her dearest Paul.

Her mind raced back to 10 years before and how happy she had been then. She had been a gorgeous 25 year old, recently graduated with a degree in mass communication. Her life was good. She had met the man of her dreams during her first year of university. He had recently completed law school and was just two years her senior. Paul Deleon was everybody's dream guy. He had looks, he had charm, and he was all hers. She had thought nothing of becoming the quintessential housewife, giving up the promise of a lucrative career in media at his request. He had wanted the traditional life of a wife, home, and children. The lush home nestled in the hills above the city had come, but the children had not. Miscarriage after miscarriage, she had watched the light go out of his eyes.

Then it started. A few months ago, he had to "work late". Then he had to "leave early". She had tried to ignore the anxiety she felt and took it at face value. But then a friend or two who worked in the same business complex as his law firm had seen 'them' at odd hours. Pictures via smart phones got back to Sylvia and she accepted the reality.

Over the past few weeks, it had increased until now their only contact was her handing over the coffee mug in the mornings. But today was the last of it. She would be waiting when he came home tonight.

Sealing the deal

Paul breathed a sigh of relief. The deal was finally done and just in time, too. He looked at the documents spread before him. After 10 years, he now had his own law firm. It had taken months in the final stages, but it had happened. His new partner, Gwendolyn, could tie up the loose ends while he was off on his one-month cruise with Sylvia. She deserved a break and he planned to treat her like the queen she was to him. He packed up his briefcase and exited this office for the last time. He was home by 9 p.m.

Sylvia was startled at hearing the car in the driveway. He was early tonight. Nevertheless, she was waiting.

Paul clutched his briefcase to his chest as he fumbled with his keys, juggling the huge bouquet of calla lilies which were Sylvia's favourite.

From the foyer he noticed the light in the living room and heard the television. He took a deep breath and stepped in.

"Happy Anniversary... Sweetheart?" the last word froze on his lips as he found himself staring at the barrel of a gun.