It was one early morning, years ago, when Michael remembered his wifes birthday was approaching the very next day. He spent quite some time pondering what present might truly express how much he cherished her, for he genuinely believed that he had the finest wife and the most devoted mother to their children. The house was always cared for, meals lovingly cooked, and the children never wanted for anything. Anna, his wife, never neglected Michael; she seemed to sense his wishes and needs without fail.
Anna and Michael had four children, ages ranging from six to seventeen. It should be said that Anna was a remarkable mother. Her bond with the children was strong and trusting, she enjoyed planning family holidays, led craft activities for the school, joined several parent committees, helped with homework, respected the children’s friends, and engaged with everyone in a warm, sincere waywhile still somehow managing to keep the house spotless. She cooked ample, delicious meals for the whole lot.
Anna was, by all accounts, content and happy; she would say so herself, and she wasn’t the sort to complain. When the children were little, Michael had once asked Anna what she would wish for her birthday. Im not sure, she said, after a pause. Actually, I might knowa day off! A day just for myself! I long to be alonefrom morning till night… Id like some sleep, some quiet, a soak in the bath But the wish was met with laughter and quickly forgotten. It seemed an impossible thing back then: the children were still young, and who could possibly manage them all day in her place? Four children for a whole daymost would call it madness. Anna herself wasnt certain she had truly meant it. Michael bought her a new set of pots and pans that year, and the conversation slipped away.
Now, years later, Annas children have grownthere are no little ones leftand she sometimes speaks, more and more, about wanting to see them grown, established, living for themselves. Until then, she carries on tending to everyone, as always. That birthday, Michael gave Anna a pair of beautiful gold earrings. She was delighted and put them on straight away.
Anna laid out a splendid table, gathered the dearest friends and family, and together they celebrated with joy. But at one oclock in the morning, Michael awoke to realise Anna hadnt come to bed yet; after putting the children to sleep, she was still in the kitchen, washing up. She looked tired and spent.
The next morning, when Anna awoke, the house was quietthere was no one around. The silence was strange, a feeling unfamiliar to her. She wandered into the kitchen and found a note upon the table. Gone to the village to visit mum, Michael had written. We didnt want to wake you. Well be back tomorrowso be sure to rest well. Just then, there was a knock at the door a courier stood there, handing Anna a grand bouquet of flowers.
