Mark watched as his wife wiped the sweat off her face with the back of her hand as she leaned on the kitchen sink, looking exhausted. She let out a sigh of fatigue. He stared at her for a moment as she paused a little from the dishes she washed and looked into the empty space facing her. All this time, she was unaware that he stood behind her, watching her closely. Mark suspected his wife, Sarah, was deep in thought yet again, as this had become the norm with her whenever she was stressed.
He knew the only times she had to herself were whenever he was out to work and the children were at school, or at night when sleep had knocked them out. He admired how she tirelessly ensured he and their children lacked nothing. Mark wondered how frail and worn out his wife had become due to the unending chores. He barely remembered when she last had a day off and noticed how lean she had become. He always admired his wife for being a woman with a fair complexion who had her body physique properly spelled out, to the admiration of many people. Now she looked like a shadow of herself, all in the name of managing resources and ensuring their children had a good life.
"Hae Beautiful." Mark spoke in a low tone, which caused his wife to startle a little.
"You’re back? Welcome Honey." Sarah replied with a weak smile. "I would soon dish your food." "Let me quickly get you some water to bathe." She said more.
"Not to worry, darling." "Suspend all you are doing right away!" Mark approached his wife, grabbed her by the waist, and planted a kiss on her neck as she let out a gentle moan and a giggle.
"You sure have a way of getting to me." Sarah turned to hug him with a slight chuckle.
"And what is the unromantic husband planning for his tired wife?" Sarah let out a chuckle.
"First, I have asked Grandma to pick the kids up from school, which means you and I will be having the whole weekend to ourselves!" Mark whispered audibly into Sarah’s ear, causing her to smile further.
"This is unusual of you, darling, but I have a lot of..." Sarah began to protest, only to be interrupted by her husband.
"This is not negotiable." Mark said as he sealed her lips with a quick kiss. "Do not worry about the dishes; I’ll handle the rest." Mark offered as he led his wife out of the kitchen, dragging her gently while she took her steps reluctantly.
"And what about Michelle's favorite toy?" You know she loves it when I sing her to sleep. How would she cope, Mark? "She's only five!" The tired Sarah would not give up easily.
"She'll be fine, dear; a weekend without her toy won't kill her." Mark replied with a reassuring nod.
"What about Tony's assignment?" Would Grandma be able to help him out? He'll be needing me to..." Sarah continued.
"You worry too much!" "Tony can handle himself also; he'll be nine years old soon, remember?" "And it's the weekend!" Mark tried to dismiss Sarah's worries.
"Have you won a jackpot, Mark?" "This is unlike you, but I love this." Sarah said as she made herself comfortable on the sofa in the sitting room.
"Who needs all the money in the world to have a great time with his wife?" Mark replied as he headed to the kitchen to finish the dishes.
Mark stepped out of the kitchen after a little while to see his wife struggling to stay awake. "She sure is exhausted," he thought to himself as he tip-toed to the room to avoid waking her up. Mark packed a few pairs of clothes and made sure his credit card was in his wallet. He carried his mini-travel bag to the car booth and returned to the sitting room, where his wife was awakening.
"I can’t believe I slept off Mark." It’s getting dark already. "Have you called Grandma to be sure the kids are with her already?" Sarah asked as she stretched her limbs after the little nap.
"Yes, darling, all is set." "You just go in and have a shower; we would be heading out immediately." Mark replied as he came close to Sarah and landed her a kiss on the forehead with a nudge for her to stand up. Sarah made a quick dash to the shower and came out after some minutes, putting on a dark A-shaped gown. Mark clapped his hands in ecstasy as he walked towards Sarah, smiling.
"What a gorgeous wife I have." "We should have more dates as a couple!" Mark exclaimed as he stepped aside and stretched his hand towards the door, signaling his wife to lead the way. "You look ravishing, your Majesty." Mark praised his wife, causing her to giggle.
Mark and Sarah drove to the Hillcity Hotel, where Mark had made a room and dinner reservation. Mark noticed Sarah’s mixed expressions of surprise and happiness as she held on tight to his arm as though they were newlyweds. He was glad he made their first date a reality after ten years of marriage.