After twentythree years of marriage, Claires domestic life had become unbearably dull. Her daughter had married and moved to London with her husband, leaving Claire and her husband Ethan alone. Claire could see that Ethan, too, was drifting away.
Emma, come over on Saturday, Claire texted, and Ill call Lily too; well have a proper catchup like we used to. Ethans heading out with his mates for a fishing trip.
Sounds great, its been ages, Emma replied.
Claire settled her friends onto the sofa, turned on soft music, and slipped into the kitchen. She returned with a tray, set it on the coffee table, poured whisky into snifters, glanced at the women and smiled.
Heres to us lovely ladies! she announced.
Everyone raised their glasses, though Lily stared pensively.
You look offcolour, Claire asked, didnt you manage to meet that virtual friend?
Lily took a sip, grimaced, Ugh, this stuff tastes awful.
Youre right, its not for everyone, Claire laughed, we only have it on special occasions, just to lift the mood
Emma giggled; she knew Lily rarely touched alcoholno whisky, no wine, certainly no gin.
Come off it, Lily. Shes practically a teetotaller; shell only take a sip once in a hundred years, Claire said, waving her halffilled snifter, though she too made a sour face at the strong drink.
What went wrong? Lily asked, looking at Claire.
Tell us thenhow did the date go?
Decent enough, Lily replied. He seems nice, charming, not a bore well presented: runs a business, owns a flat and a sleek car.
Nice start, Emma chuckled, by the way, Lily, lets sign you up on a dating site too.
Why would I? Claire wondered. I have Ethan; it feels improper. You two do whatever you like, meet whoever you wish.
Ah, but shes married! Whos been complaining about their Ethan lately, saying hes inattentive, just staring at blank walls? Lily interjected.
It isnt about an affair, Emma clarified, just some conversation for the soul, a bit of fun. Lets get you registered and send a note.
After a couple of snifters, Claire agreed. They sat at the laptop and typed: Attractive woman with a good sense of humour looking for a gentleman for interesting chats. My name is Lila.
Claire forgot the message until a frantic week later, when, buried in reports and client meetings, she finally opened her inbox. About twenty replies stared back; most were crude and she deleted them outright. One, however, caught her eye.
Ive long wanted to talk to a smart, witty woman. Im married, but lately my wife shows little interest in me. Our life has become a routine, dull. Im not old yetfortyseven, names Ian.
Claire felt a chill; the letter mirrored her own marriage. She replied:
My marriage feels offkilter too. Its sad to admit, but I rarely have hearttoheart talks with Ethan now, which is why I posted that note. I crave warm conversation, yet I still love my husband. Im hoping to find a kindred spirit to share thoughts with, even if only by pen.
Lila, youve got a reply, Lily said.
Yes, but I only kept the one that wasnt vulgar.
People will write whatever, Lily laughed.
Is your virtual friend still a thing?
Oh, absolutely. Greg turned out to be decent, though his hearts still bruised after a divorce. His ex left him for a younger man, about the same age as their son, whos now married, Lily confided.
Thats alright, help him heal. Maybe youll even get married yourself, Claire smiled, not all dating sites are nasty. Perhaps this is your destiny
Two days later Claire read Ians reply:
I see we have a lot in common. Im also up for online chatting because I really do love my wife, even if she sometimes drives me mad. Her friends girls nights get on my nerves; they seem frivolous. I cant tell her, shed be hurt. She spends more time with them than with me.
Claire reflected.
True, his life sounds dull, but he does love his wife. We often have girls nights, and perhaps Ethan feels the same, though hes never said anything. If he were bothered, hed tell me, she reasoned, calming herself.
She wrote back:
I sympathise with your situation. As for girls nights, women need each others companyto unwind, vent, laugh, even cry. It doesnt mean forgetting the family. In my case, Ethan seems content.
Claire shared the exchange with her friends, who encouraged her. Lilys own romance with Greg was progressing nicely.
Greg booked us twoweek holidays in Spain. Well soak up the sun, Lily boasted.
Lucky you, Lily, Emma replied, no ones invited me yet Id love a break too.
Whats your age, Emma? Perhaps another friend will appear. Life is unpredictablekeep hoping and waiting.
Ha! And where is this mysterious friend hiding? Emma laughed.
Soon Lily left for Spain with Greg. Claires correspondence with Ian continued, three messages a week, for three months. He was witty and sweet, and Claire found herself liking him more each day.
Meanwhile, the strain with Ethan grew. The more time he spent at work, the more Claire wrote to Ian. One evening Ethan surprised her with a bouquet of roses.
Ethan, why now? she asked.
Just because, he said, though she sensed his gesture was halfhearted.
A nagging suspicion that Ethan might have another woman lingered, but she dared not ask. Perhaps it would go on forever if Ian hadnt suggested a meeting.
I remember we never planned to meet, but now that I know we live in the same town, I wonder if youre the one Ive been looking at. Im curious about who you are in person. Lets meet.
Claire agreed.
Theres nothing to lose; a single meeting isnt an affair. Besides, Ethans been busy lately.
She prepared meticulously: a haircut, a fresh dyeshed been meaning to change her look for ages. The perfect excuse. She imagined Ians face; hed mentioned bringing a white rose.
Stepping into the cafe, she froze at a familiar stare.
Claire! What are you doing here? Ethan exclaimed, caught off guard.
She noticed a pristine white rose on the table and the truth clicked.
So its you? Ian isnt a real name after all.
Just like Lila, Ethan retorted, smiling. Sit down; we have a lot to discuss.
They perched opposite each other. The conversation stumbled at first. Claire wrestled with guilt for meeting behind Ethans back, yet she was angry at him for doing the same. She recalled what shed written about Ethan in her messages.
Ethan seemed to wrestle with similar thoughts, until Claire broke the silence.
So you think Ive changed for the worse?
No, you look wonderful today, but its not enough for me.
You said you love your wifestill true?
Absolutely. Its just that weve lost our rhythm. I have no time for you, you have none for me, Ethan sighed.
You spent all that time on the site, Claire smirked.
Lila, I think we should start over, Ethan suggested, and Claire smiled, agreeing.
Alright, Ethan took both her hands, gazing into her eyes. Now I see my beloved wife right in front of me.
And I see my beloved husband. Its a pity we wont be exchanging letters any more, Claire laughed.
Why not? We could keep writing, Ethan replied.
Claire paused, then said, Because weve learned that real connection isnt forged through screens but through honest conversation, shared moments, and a willingness to listen.
She smiled, feeling a lightness she hadnt known in years.
The lesson she took home was simple: when routine threatens love, the cure isnt secrecy or new strangers, but open, sincere dialogue with the person who already shares your life.
