Is he going to live with us now? he asked his wife, casting a glance at their son…
Margaret Smith arrived home and was quite surprised to find her son waiting. Tom had been living separately with his wife for nearly two years now, and their meetings were limited to a couple of weekends each month. Yet here he was, right in the middle of the week.
Has something happened? Margarets greeting was edged with concern.
Arent you happy to see me, Mum? Tom tried to lighten the mood, but Margarets stern look gave him pause. He sighed, Ive left Sophie.
What do you mean, youve left her? she replied sharply.
Margaret, ever practical and ever strong, was not one for lighthearted banterher career at the youth offenders institution had perhaps shaped much of her character.
Well we had a row, Tom muttered, doing his best to signal his unwillingness to talk further.
So what now? she pressed, eyes fixed on him. Will you come running home after every spat with your wife?
Were getting a divorce, Tom blurted out.
Margarets unflinching gaze called for more explanation. After a resigned sigh, Tom admitted, She wants me to help more around the house. And Im so tired when I get back from work.
So, did it break you to lift a finger at home? his mum didnt spare his feelings.
She told me exactly the same thing. But I said the woman should look after the home. Shes the heart of the family.
Margaret, now struggling to keep her temper, retorted, Where did you pick up that nonsense?
She was exhausted after her own workday, simply wanting a shower, a peaceful evening meal with her husband, not to deal with antiquated attitudes spilled out by her son. She and her husband had always shared the workload, both at their jobs and at home, and shed never heard such talk from him. There was no division between mens and womens work in their house. And now Tom, who fancied himself head of the family, brought in archaic ideas.
I asked you a question! she snapped so loudly, Tom almost shrank away. Did you tire yourself out hunting mammoths today? Both of you work and both of you keep the householdso you split things. Or did you offer for her to quit her job and play house? No? Then whats all this fuss about? Did you ever see your dad and me fight over chores? We always pull together side by side because we both have the sense to do so.
Just then, his dad, George Smith, came in from work and saw Tom standing there.
Something going on? he asked, puzzled.
Both asking the same thing Tom thought, then said aloud, Sophie and I are separating.
Well, youre a fool, George commented simply, dropping his bag of groceries on the kitchen counter.
George, our sons being an idiot, Margaret told her husband, relating the story behind it all.
So, is he staying here now? George asked his wife, then turned to Tom: Do you know the word spouse literally means partner in harness? Partners pull together, share the work equally. If one of you stops pulling, the other bears twice the burden. You keep that up, sooner or later, someone collapses or things fall apart.
Tom paused to think, even as he nursed his bitterness toward Sophie. He had hoped for parental sympathy but found none; in fact, it seemed theyd taken the other side. George quietly unpacked the shopping while Margaret tidied it away, both making it clear there would be no special attention for Tomthey expected him to get on with it.
Observing their teamwork, their quiet happiness, Tom wondered how two such decisive, strong people could be so gentle with each other.
Well, what are you standing there for? Go and make up with your wife! his father said sternly. And drop this silly nonsense about who owes what to whom. Care for each other and help one anotherthats your job! Now off you go, weve got our own affairs to get on with.
Tom left his parents house feeling dejected. This cold reception was not at all what he had expected. Yet, his resentment toward Sophie faded, and he realised his own part in the argumentit was really over nothing.
But Tom learned something crucial: If he ever rebuilt his family, hed strive for the same happiness and partnership his parents had achieved. In the end, its not about who does whatits about respecting and supporting each other. Thats what makes a home truly happy.
