Reining in a Husband
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After leaving the hospital, Charlotte felt noticeably better and was set on diving straight back into her usual routines the very next morning.
Yet, upon waking, she was seized by an unexpected internal protest.
Her husband, Edward, was already in the midst of his morning stretches.
Ever the sportsman, Edward clung to his habits even in retirement. His day always began with a sequence of exercises to soothe his persistent aches.
Typically, Charlotte would rush off to tend to their ginger cat, Molly. First, shed clean out Mollys litter tray.
Then shed feed Molly and their devoted terrier, Dusty, tidy away the tell-tale traces of the pets nocturnal mischief from the hall and kitchen, and dash back to get Dusty out for a brisk walk.
In the afternoons and evenings, they strolled together in the parks quiet, enjoying the gentle calm, but in the morning, while Edward managed his routines, Charlotte scrambled to get everything done.
No sooner did she return from walking Dusty, than she threw herself into preparing their simple, traditional breakfast: usually cottage cheese with honey and dried fruit, or perhaps cheese scones, alternating with omelettes, fried or soft-boiled eggs.
Charlotte used to consider all this morning bustle a sort of workout in itself, but the doctors at the hospital made it clear: what she needed was actual exerciseno amount of fussing over housework was a substitute.
Edward, having finished his stretching, would neatly make the bedoften grumbling that it was hardly mans work and that all the chores seemed to fall on his shoulders. Twice a week, he tackled the laundry and ran the hoover over the carpets, all while muttering how Charlotte never managed to get anything quite right.
He did the dishes after breakfast, proud that he was being so very helpful to his wife.
After breakfast, Charlotte would cook lunch and then settle down at her computer.
She had recently taken up a bit of freelance work in her retirement, determined not to be counting out every penny.
Edward, however, found her side jobs frivolous, and thought her longing for a new dress or a brighter scarf rather silly. Weve wardrobes full of clothes! he would say.
Charlotte had always given in, never putting up much of a fight.
She truly didnt care about clothes, especially since Edward so often remarked on how radiant she looked compared to their peers. She never felt bothered when he spent the funny money shed earned on yet another electric screwdriver, or whatever gadget caught his eye.
But when her sudden illness struck, everything changed. So much so, at first, she scarcely recognized herself.
She had ended up in hospital after fainting on the High Street on her way to the shops.
The doctors could hardly believe shed managed to walk there at allher test results were appalling.
Even Edward was alarmed when he saw his wife pale and hooked up to a drip. He found himself utterly overwhelmed by the housework, startled to realise how much there was to do.
Of course, he could hardly wait for his beloved wife to be discharged. He adored her, that much was plain.
For the first few days at home, Charlotte did exactly as her doctor ordered and rested. Edward busied himself looking after her, often peering in with concern.
Well, Charlotte, are you on the mend yet? Not quite? But you look grand, not half as pale as before.
Hed try to joke, Dont lie in bed too long or youll never get up again. Its bad for you! Time you got back into the swing of things
Charlotte agreed to an extent. But this morning, upon waking, she felt no urge to hurl herself back into chores.
She looked at Edward: Mr. Concentration, engaged with his exercises and clearly expecting her to resume management of the household from where shed left off.
And for the first time in years, she didnt see the caring husbandrather, she saw a man, oblivious as ever, about to drop the world back on her shoulders.
And she bristled, inside.
Charlotte recalled her doctors words, delivered in that grave, urgent tone, which now thundered in her head:
You put everyone before yourself, and your husbands used to it. He thinks its all effortless for you, never guesses youre weary. You do everything with a smile, never complain? They had to bring you in by ambulance for severe anaemiayour levels are a third of normal. Do you want to live?
Shed been on a drip in the hospital and had five blood transfusions before her results levelled out.
As she watched the blood slipping down that clear tube and into her vein for the first time, Charlotte wondered:
Imaginefive complete strangers have saved me. Im alive because of them. And now their blood flows in me. Will I be different? Changed by this mysterious inheritance?
And, as it happened, she was changed.
Back at home, unexpectedly, Charlotte found she had no wish whatsoever to throw herself into pleasing Edward at every turn.
Of course she loved him. And he loved herin his way. He grumbled, but he did more than most men, no denying that. But he always gave the impression his efforts deserved medals, while hers didnt matter at all.
Charlotte used to take it in good humourshe was patient, and characteristically gentle. But now now something inside had shifted.
She suddenly wanted more time to herself, to return to old passions. To play the piano, perhaps (that old upright they couldnt decide what to do with), or maybe something else she hadnt quite named yet.
She rose and, almost experimentally, began stretching beside Edward.
He glanced over, raising an eyebrow. Whats got into you, Charlotte? Did they muddle your medicines at hospital? Youre all set on self-improvement at your age? You look lovely as it is. Why not sort the cat and walk the dog, make some breakfast? Im starving.
The doctor insisted, Charlotte said, her voice now holding a crisp certainty, He said if I dont look after myself, I wont last long. Or were you hoping for my early demise, Edward?
Edward looked utterly stunned at her bluntness. But perhaps he thought this defiance would pass, that the hospital had simply got her into a fussy mood. He didnt even argue when Charlotte, finishing her stretches, declared,
Right, Ill feed Molly and Dusty, and you can take Dusty out. Ill see to breakfastmuch quicker that way.
She marvelled inwardly at how quickly Edward agreed. A new feeling, strange but invigorating, pulsed inside her.
It was as if she now held five separate strengths, guiding her forward, whispering that, yes, she had every right to toss out old, tired clothes and buy new ones with money shed earned herself.
Telling her she should exercise, to grow fit and strong again, and perhaps dust off the piano keys as well.
Altogether, shed counted five distinctly new impulses, and she realised with a start:
Of course! I had five transfusions from five different peoplemaybe their courage and resolve have joined mine! They say after transplants, some people develop unusual talents or new cravings. Why not after a transfusion?
Now, when she looked at Edward, her gaze was no longer meek, but steadied by conviction. Not only the doctors advice, but this strange tide of energy carrying her forward.
She could see Edward struggling to make sense of it all, as if his entire worldwhere Charlotte was always quiet, willing, and accommodatingwas beginning to crumble.
You know, Edward, she said, not fearing his response for perhaps the first time in her life, I think I finally understand why you always believed I did nothing. You never really saw. Never saw my efforts, my tiredness, how I tried to make everything comfortable for you.
But from now on, you will notice. Dont be surprisedI’m tossing those old frocks and coats. Ill buy new ones. And Im going to play the pianoyou always teased me for finishing lessons and only playing Chopsticks and Greensleeves. Well, listen to this
She lifted the piano lid, placed her fingers on the keys, and to her own astonishment, played something beautifulforgotten, yes, but heartbreakingly familiar.
Edward, transfixed, could only whisper, Charlotte, how did you do that? You never could before Youve become someone different.
His face betrayed a mixture of confusion and, perhaps, a hint of fear.
He was used to one Charlotte, but here stood anotherstronger, decisive. The change was as wonderful as it was bewildering.
Charlotte smiled. Not the apologetic smile hed grown used to, but a real, confident smile, brimming with anticipation. She felt a fire within, lit by those five new sparks of life. And that fire promised something more than simply survivingit promised to live.
To truly live, finally making space for herself and her desires. And, perhaps, to rediscover a healthier, truer love for her husband, built on mutual respect rather than self-denial.
She would never know who those five donors were, but she suspected they were strong, spirited souls.
Not only had they saved her lifethey had made her life rich and genuinely happy.
Edward gazed at Charlotte in awe.
They say you shouldnt ask why trials come, why we fall ill or face adversity.
Instead, we should ask what we are meant to discover. Sometimes hardship gives us a second chance to remember just how precious life truly is.
How glorious the seasonswhether sunshine or sleet, brisk winter or muddy spring. Each day is a gift: the sky, the suns very first and very last rays.
And the smiles of loved ones, their support, even their foiblesfor we are all only human
If a loving husband grows crotchety, perhaps its time hes reminded of what it really means to be a man.
While we can, let us live to the fullestand cherish what we have, always. For there is no other way.
