Being Unfaithful

"It's not like I wanted it to turn out this way; believe me, I really thought this time it would last," he said. "But I also can't fake what's not there. You know how it goes; sometimes, the magic fades no matter what you do." He wasn't facing her. Instead he was staring intensely at the black and white tile floor as he spoke, never lifting his head or meeting her gaze.

Sitting next to him at the kitchen table, she reached across the pine wood top and rested her hand lightly on his forearm. "I'm not naïve honey. I know that things change. It's no longer new or exciting. Boredom sets in. But, you don't just throw in the towel because you're hit a rough patch. You have to work at it, shake it up; try something different."

She paused, hoping for acknowledgement, desperately wanting reassurance. But she was talking to a statue; his intense gaze at the checkered floor remained unaltered. The wall clock ticked loudly away the seconds.

"It happens. Things start so exciting and fresh; everything is wonderful. The thought of anything going wrong doesn't even cross your mind. You feel healthy and alive. Energy permeates your being. Life is great. But, over time - "

"Don't you think I know this?" He asked, cutting her off, "Don't you think I've thought all these same things myself? I've been down this road a few times myself, you know? I know infatuation doesn't last. I know things change. I understand it takes work. It's just that - this time - I don't have the energy to keep going. I'm tired. I'm bored. I need a break."

He was slipping away. Maybe the direct approach would yield better results. "Well, if you know all that, you also know that 'taking a break' is really just an easy way to say 'it's over.' The reality is, you won't come back. And then you'll regret it even more. I don't want that for you. And I really don't think you do either. The man I love doesn't quit when things get tough."

In her head she cursed the stupid birthday party. Everything had been going great - until that one fateful night.

"You made a mistake. You're human. Everyone was letting their hair down; and you just got caught up in it. Between the drinks and the party atmosphere, it made it easy to succumb to temptation. It could happen to anyone. I understand. But I also still love you."

He turned slowly to face her, his eyes heavy with sadness. "You're not disappointed in me? Really?"

She reached across the table and touched his hand. He didn't pull away.

"We all make mistakes. I'm your wife. I'm not going to give up on you because of one slip-up. Do you really think I would think less of you over this?"

A slight smile crossed his lips; he sat a little straighter on the wooden chair.

"So," he said softly, "What now?"

"Just learn from the mistake and continue like nothing happened. All you did was cheat on your diet for goodness sakes. It's not like it's the end of the world."