Thanks, but I don’t want that kind of vacation!
“I’ve got fantastic news!” Nathan announced as he walked into the room. “We’re going on holiday!”
Sophie wasn’t as excited as expected. It was puzzling for her since Nate had been talking about a trip to a warm seaside destination for ages. Escaping the dreary, damp city had been a dream for so long… Now that it seemed possible, where were her feelings of anticipation?
Nate noticed his wife’s lack of enthusiasm and frowned. “Sophie, what’s up? Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind?”
“No, not exactly,” Sophie sighed, searching for what was wrong. “So, where are we going?”
Nathan started eagerly describing his vision of their getaway. Bali, a tropical paradise, pristine islands, Komodo dragons…
“Imagine it, Komodo dragons!” he enthused. “I’ve always wanted to see them!”
Sophie couldn’t share his excitement. She only knew these creatures from pictures online, where they seemed terrifying. The idea of seeing them in person wasn’t appealing at all.
“Nate…” she ventured tentatively, “how about Turkey instead? You know, the usual— all-inclusive, hotel, beach, entertainment… Buffets and everything. We’re supposed to be relaxing, not taking risks.”
“What do you mean?” Nathan frowned again. “What risks? The tours are led by experienced guides; nothing will go wrong.”
Sophie waved her hand dismissively. Maybe nothing would go wrong, but for her, it wouldn’t be a holiday. She wanted to lie on the beach, get some sun, and sip on a soda, not chase after dragons with a camera. But since Nathan provided most of the trip’s budget, she felt obliged to listen and agree.
Nathan continued going on about living in a bamboo bungalow by the sea, trying local dishes, places to visit…
Sophie half-listened. As was often the case, Nate had already made up his mind. Her opinion didn’t seem to matter.
This was how it usually went. Nate decided on everything— what gadgets to buy, which nursery their son Ben should attend, which wallpaper color to choose. Fair enough, he was practical and had good taste. While Sophie could overlook the wallpaper, she couldn’t as easily brush aside decisions about their time together.
Until recently, Sophie had agreed with everything. They drove a red car even though she disliked red. Vacationed in odd places like mountain retreats, when she would’ve preferred a Brighton beach. Visited water parks instead of botanical gardens. And so on.
Initially, Sophie tried to convince herself that it was fine. That maybe Nate was just trying to expand her horizons, pulling her out of her comfort zone.
Nate was always active—open to new trends and experiences. Sophie was more traditional. But her parents adored Nate’s adventurous spirit and impressive skills. She could never argue with them.
Eventually, she stopped arguing altogether. Tried to enjoy the life being set out for her. Took up skiing under his guidance. Nearly broke her leg, but not even a day in the emergency room convinced Nate she wasn’t athletic. Started swimming, despite disliking water since childhood and preferring just a toe dip in the sea.
There were countless examples. New hobbies brought fresh experiences, but over time, the novelty wore off and turned into monotony.
Sophie didn’t understand what was happening. Nate remained as energetic and full of wild ideas as ever. Pursuing his dreams while she obediently followed.
At times, she felt like she was just an attachment to him. That she had to share his thoughts and loves.
“Fine,” she finally sighed. “You’ve planned it all. But what about asking me?”
Nate waved dismissively, implying he was doing it for her own good and she didn’t appreciate it.
“If I asked, what then?” he said. “You’d just drag me to your boring Turkey again!”
“Again?” Sophie exclaimed. “What do you mean again? Have we ever even been there?”
Nate opened his mouth to reply, but Sophie interrupted:
“Have you ever asked where I want to go, how I want to live, what car I’d like to drive? No! You just decide everything! Sophie this, Sophie that, do it like this, enjoy that, but why? For your convenience? To brag to friends about your sporty wife and how perfectly we match? Is that it? Or just living your dreams? And what about mine? Thanks, but I don’t want that kind of holiday!”
Sophie stopped, a lump in her throat and tears welling up.
“Nate, I love you…” he tried, flustered by this sudden outburst from his usually quiet and compliant wife.
“No!” Sophie snapped. “That’s not how love works! When you love someone, you ask what they want. What they dream of. Not just fulfill your own ego!”
Feeling the tears about to burst forth, Sophie hurried from the room.
“Enough is enough! He can photograph his own critters and dragons if those are more important than his wife!”
***
Sophie sat in the kitchen, silently looking out the window. She’d almost calmed down, at least stopped crying. She’d thought all sorts of bad things about Nathan, got angry, cried, got angry again. She was calm, but a hurt and pain lingered in her heart.
The door clattered, and a moment later, Nathan appeared at the kitchen entrance. He silently placed some papers on the table.
“What’s this?” Sophie looked at her husband, surprised.
“New tickets,” Nathan said calmly. “I exchanged them. We’re flying to Antalya.”
“Really?” Sophie smiled, realizing maybe she had tolerated and stayed silent too long.
She blinked and looked at Nate gratefully, and he hugged her, planting a kiss on her head.
“Forgive me. I love you, Soph.”
