Jessica had married the moment she turned twenty. Her husband, Charles, was older, but the difference in age had never bothered her. She stood by him loyally, unwavering as a castle wall. Lately, however, shed begun to wish shed never started anything with him. This is her story.
We live together in a two-bedroom flat that Charles owns. Hes well off, but his work keeps him travelling all over the country on business trips, sometimes for days at a time. As for me, I run a small business from home, and Im also studying through distance learning. Of course, no one has spared me from keeping up with all the housework. I make sure the place is tidy and the meals are cooked.
Charles foots the bill for the household expensesespecially the utilitieswhile Ive always kept out of it. But lately, hes started complaining about my use of the water and electric. At first, I brushed it off, but his constant nagging has worked its way under my skin.
From now on, youll be in charge of paying for the electricity and the water, he declared one evening, his voice cold. Im working all hours and Im away for work half the week. If you use it, you pay for it. Ill handle the other bills; those two are on you. If you dont pay, dont be surprised when the lights go out and the taps run dry.
Oh, what a happy home we have! My words trembled with frustration. Have you ever, for even a second, wondered why I use so much water and electricity? Perhaps its because I cook your meals, clean your home, do your laundry, and run my business from my computer. And yet, Im still the one being scrutinised? Am I supposed to start washing up in the dark and ration out the bathwater to save a few pounds? Honestly Charles, have you lost your mind?
If you dont want to pay, I went on, my voice stronger now, you dont have to. But nor do I. I could easily move back in with my parents, where I wouldnt have to count every lightbulb left on or every kettle I fill. And you, youll be left here to manage the cooking, cleaning and penny-pinching for yourself. Oh, and dont forget to enjoy all those lovely crisp shirts you likebecause the washing machine doesnt run on thin air. Would you care to guess how much power and water it uses to keep you looking dapper?
After that, Charles had nothing more to say on the matter.
Did Jessica do the right thing?
