What about Seychelles

I come to the door of our apartment and start to unlock it. I love the sound of the lock because I know that in a moment or two I’ll be in the safe shelter of my apartment where no one can hurt me.

Your shoes are in the hallway so you’re obviously at home. I walk to the centre of our apartment which is a huge room – a combined living and dining room. The kitchen is separated by an oval kitchen bar. You’ve obviously been cooking it smells lovely. There is festive cover on the kitchen table and candles. Are we celebrating something? Did I forget about our anniversary or something? I’m sure I didn’t. Our anniversary is in May and your birthday in March.

“Hey honey, what’s going on? Did I miss something?” I’m a bit nervous. Is this an ambush? Do you want to persuade me to go away for two months and leave my job? You should know me better, I’m not going to leave my job just because you think it’s a good idea.

“No, I’ve just wanted to surprise you with a nice romantic dinner.” This could definitively be an ambush. What do you want this time? To move to another country? Adopt a child? Buy a dog? I don’t like dogs. Or will you just continue where I stopped you the last time by leaving the restaurant. It was a couple of days ago and we haven’t talked about this since then.

“Sit down, I’ll bring the food. Would you like a glass of wine?” I would prefer a whole bottle. I’ll probably need it.

“Yes please.” You bought my favourite wine, how nice of you. Do you want to get me drunk so that I would agree with you? I make a sip of wine and I wish I could light a cigarette. You bring the dinner to the table. It’s baked salmon and baked potatoes with vegetables.

“It smells wonderful.” It really does. It’s a nice surprise and the food is wonderful. I know that we should spend more quality time together but I don’t feel like it. I feel bad about it but I can’t help it. I should force myself to spend more time with you but you know me very well, you would know that I’m faking it.

“I’ve been thinking.” This is not a good sign. I’m sure you’ve been thinking and I’m also sure I won’t like what you’ve been thinking about. “I’m really sorry that I said that you should leave your job. I know it’s important to you.” That’s an even bigger surprise. I don’t even know what to say. “I just want the best for you and I think that it’s not good for you if you work all the tame and don’t think about your problems. You won’t solve anything if you won’t confront the problems.” I knew it was too beautiful to be true. If you planned a nice romantic dinner you just failed. I don’t want another lecture from you.

“I’ve also been thinking about this. And I think it might be good for us and especially for me to go away for a while, but certainly not for two months. Maybe 2 weeks for Christmas?” I’m sure this will mean a lot to you. And some time away from everything would probably be good for me. If we weren’t here I wouldn’t have to deal with my Mom. I really don’t want to go to the family dinner this year. I should talk about this with my psychologist but I’m sure she’ll think it’s a good idea to go away.

“That would be great.” This salmon is really tasty, you’ve done a great job. You’re a very good cook, if you weren’t such an amazing architect I would try to convince you to change your profession.

“I would like to go someplace warm. What do you think about Seychelles?” I’ve always wanted to go there. Jenny and her husband went there for their honeymoon and she said it was perfect. The pictures were more than perfect. Cristal clear water, amazing hotels, hot weather in the middle of winter. What more could I want? Another glass of this wine. Oh, you’ve noticed and filled up my glass. You’re really nice and sweet. I don’t know why you’re still sticking with me. You could find a normal woman, who would give you what you want and need. But you’re here, dealing with all my problems.

“I’m in. We could go to the agency tomorrow and make reservations. After work at about 5p.m.?” I thought I would work late tommorrow. But I can still go back to work when we arrange everything.

“I’ve also made dessert. Your favourite chocolate cake.” You really are a treasure. I adore chocolate cake. You go to the kitchen and slice the cake. I’m sure I’ll get a huge slice.

“You’re so sweet. Thank you for all this.” I really mean it. I don’t know how I would get through all this without you.

“I love you Emma. You know this, right?” I know.