In A Dilemma

They had been married for many years. There was a time when Allen would surprise Skylar with gifts, but as the years went by, those gestures faded.

He had once told her, “We’ve been married so long. There’s no need for that anymore.”

And when she needed something, he simply said she could buy it herself. He’d cover the cost.

So when she asked why, even Allen was caught off guard. “I’m giving you a gift. Why the question?”

Skylar froze for a heartbeat, then suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you,” she whispered, pressing her cheek to his chest. “I’m really happy. I love it.”

Allen’s body went rigid. The warmth of her embrace felt foreign now-like something from another life.