David is a 40-year-old Englishman, still single. A few years back, women would have queued up for a chance with him. He was tall, handsome, and comfortably well-off. These days, only his wealth has stood the test of time. The years have taken their tollhis hairs thinning and his waistline is expanding with alarming speed. David is all too aware of this, and for the first time in his life, marriage has become a serious consideration. He cant help but worry, thoughwill he manage to find the right wife? Hes notorious for having a prickly nature: blunt, strict, and a touch harsh. Everyone around him knows the sort he is, and women tend to warn any friends with a budding interest to steer clear. Hes facing the reality that his prospects arent exactly bright.
He confides in his mates down at the pub, sharing his worries, and they offer a few bits of sage advice. Remarkably, a few months later, David finds himself married. The day after their wedding, David decides its time to lay down the law with his new wife.
Youll be living in my flat, which should be quite an honour for you, he says. Everything must always be kept in perfect order, every single thing in its place.
What exactly do you mean? asks Emily with a bright, sweet smile.
Ill spell it out just this once, David tells her with a grin. You must always remember, you could lose this happiness in a blink. Im a man who likes things done properly, so youll have to get used to that. And by the way, towels must always be dry and hung exactly where they belong. Cleanliness above all else. Understood?
Emily nods, listening closely. They walk through to the kitchen, where David painstakingly lists every one of his rules.
Yes, darling, Emily replies with a smile. And what time will you be home in the evenings?
Why do you need to know? David bristles.
Well, so I can make sure dinners ready for you.
Hm… Well, youll never know my exact time, but dinner mustnt ever be late. And heaven help you if I dont like what youve madeIll pop it in the bin and therell be consequences.
Alright, love. I hear you. Everything will be just right, Emily assures him, flashing that same cheerful smile. That smile lingers in his mind the whole day.
That evening, David stops by a nice restaurant and enjoys a hearty meal before heading home. He wants to test his new wife; he plans to complain about her cooking without even touching it. He sticks to this routine for a whole week, each night arriving home late, ready to criticise.
As David opens the door, he finds the flat quiet. Is anyone home? Im back!
Its me, calls Emily, sounding rather bored. I was watching telly and mustve nodded off.
Is dinner ready? he asks.
Dinner? Emily echoes, then remembers, Oh yes, lets see about that. She tells him to take a seat, and soon serves up a plate of cold, unsalted porridge. Here you are! Its cold and quite tasteless. If you dont eat every last bit, thats entirely on you. Ill be out the door and youll never see me again.
Oh, Im only jokingyoull see me, but with someone else. And just for the record, I know you had a slap-up meal at the restaurant. I can only imagine how difficult it will be to choke down this dreadful porridge on a full stomach.
David is taken aback.
Do you want to know why Im so blunt and hard with you? Just know this: things will always be this way, especially if you ever dare not answer my questions. And now, youll eat every last spoonful, just as you insisted. The sooner you start, the sooner youll finish!
Emily had been warned about her husbands ways. But she wasnt daunted.
Men arent born gentle and devoted, she said, but good wives know how to keep them in line. She was rightDavid finished that awful porridge in minutes.
At last, he thought, Ive found exactly the woman Ive been searching for all my life.From that evening on, David arrived home to a different kind of order. Sometimes it was a gourmet meal, sometimes toast and beans, sometimes just laughter as Emily told a story that made his sternness dissolve. He found himself picking up his own shoes, hanging his own towels, andwithout announcing itcoming home on time, a little lighter with each step. Days grew softer; rules quietly bent. And in the gentle chaos of loving Emilys spirit, David discovered that true order was not measured by perfectly folded napkins, but by the joy of a heart that knew exactly how to challenge and cherish his own.
The next time his friends asked, half-mocking, Hows married life treating you? David grinned, his old edge melting away. Turns out, you dont have to be in charge of everything to find your happiness, he said. And when Emily slipped her arm through his, glancing up at him with that unshakeable smile, he knewat last, he was right where he belonged.
