A Tale of a Friend: A Marriage for Love
One fine day, a mate of mine decided to tie the knot. He married for love, naturally. His bride was lovely, clever, and self-sufficient, working as an accountant for a big firm and earning a tidy sum.
My friend, James, didnt want to fall short compared to his wifes earnings, so he took on extra jobs and worked long hours to pay off the mortgage on their flat faster.
Theyd bought the place outrightpooled their savings, took out a loan, and had a bit of help from family. They gave it a proper makeover, all modern and stylish, decorated just right. Youd think they had it made.
But happiness didnt follow. The wife couldnt keep up with the housework. She either didnt know how to mop the floors, dust properly, or get dinner ready on timeor just couldnt be bothered. Shed say she was knackered from work and came home late. Fair enough, but James wasnt slacking either. He worked late too.
So, the bickering began over who did more around the house. The first six months were spent in daily battles, the flat cluttered with laundry and stacks of dirty dishes. Neither confessed the real reason for the rows to their familiesboth were too ashamed.
One day, James went fishing with his father-in-law. Both were keen anglers, which was why they got on so well. That evening, by the campfire with a pint in hand, James spilled his guts, making his father-in-law swear not to breathe a wordespecially to the mother-in-law.
The old man swore secrecy but said their home would never know peace without a “house guardian.”
“Ive got just the thing,” he said. “When I get the chance, Ill convince him to move in with you.”
James thought the man had lost the plot but kept quiet.
The next week, his father-in-law turned up with a kitten. James was fuming. What was the point? More mess, thats all! But the old man pulled him aside for a smoke on the balcony and reminded him about the “house guardian.” Said hed brought it along with the cat, and now things would sort themselves out. Just treat the little thing right.
James ended up adoring the kitten straight away. Tiny and affectionate, she took to him at once, following him everywhere, begging for cuddles. The only hiccup was a little “accident” on the floor one night, but that was it.
The next day, when James came home from work, the place was spotlessno clothes strewn about, and his wife was cooking up a lovely dinner!
Suddenly inspired, James finally fixed that shelf in the loo hed been putting off.
The next evening, he found his wife hoovering the rugs. Well, he pitched in tootook out the bins and nipped out for bread. At the shop, he even picked up a bottle of wine. Dinner felt like a proper celebrationhard to remember the last time theyd done that.
And so it went all week. Like happiness had moved back in. On Sunday night, his wife said,
“Dont bother popping home tomorrow. Ive got litter and set up a spot in the loo for the cat.”
“Who?”
“Your little kitty. I know youve been sneaking back at lunch to tidy up. But dont worryits all sorted now.”
James was gobsmacked. He hadnt been home at all. He thought shed been cleaning. Turns out she was embarrassed to do nothing in a tidy house.
He decided to investigate, ducking out of work at midday. Pretended to leave but crept back quietly, hiding with his phone.
Around lunch, he heard keys in the door. The kitten dashed to the entry, mewing a welcome. Then a soft voice:
“Oh, Mittens, Ive missed you! Brought you milk and a fresh treat. Looks like youve got the hang of the litter tray”
The bedroom door opened. It was his father-in-law, startled to find James there.
“So, this is your ‘house guardian,’ eh?”
The old man flushed.
“Well, I gave you the cat. Thought Id help look after her, at least at first.”
“Howd you get a key?”
“Nicked it off your ring when we went fishing, had a copy made. Slipped it back the next day”
Its been three years now, and James and his wife are happy as ever. Theyve even got a little one. And to this day, no one knows who really was the “house guardian” that once lived in their flat
