**In Sickness and in Health**
“Tom, look at the dress I bought! Do you like it?” Thomas glanced up and smiled.
“Give us a twirl! It’s lovely. Absolutely suits you,” he said warmly.
“I thought so too… I searched the whole shop, nearly left empty-handed!” She beamed. “Then, right at the last minute, I saw this one. Fell in love instantly. I’ll wear it to Emily’s birthday in summer.”
“No, don’t wear it,” Thomas said, feigning seriousness.
“Why not?” Lucy asked, confused.
“Because you’ll outshine the birthday girl. And that’s not fair.”
She laughed, and Tom thought how beautiful her laugh was.
“Oh, stop it!”
She stepped toward the mirror, admiring the sky-blue dress. It truly did suit her—her grey eyes even looked brighter against the fabric.
Thomas watched her, a knot tightening in his stomach. He still hadn’t told her. Didn’t know how. Maybe things would sort themselves out…
“When were we planning our holiday?” she asked, catching his eye in the reflection.
“September…” His voice cracked slightly.
“September… I’ll need new swimsuits by then. Only got two—won’t last.”
Thomas shut his eyes. No, he couldn’t keep hiding it. He wanted to protect her, but he knew he couldn’t. He had to say it.
“Lucy, sit down a moment,” he said softly.
She turned, still smiling—then saw his expression, and her grin faded.
“What’s wrong, Tom?” she asked, sitting beside him.
“I’ve got bad news…”
“God… Don’t leave me hanging. What is it? Is everyone alright? Mum?”
“Everyone’s fine,” he reassured her, taking her hands. “My company’s gone bankrupt.”
She stared, struggling to process it.
They’d married five years ago. Tom was ten years older, but Lucy had adored him, age never mattered. Back then, his business was just taking off—nobody could accuse her of chasing his money. And everyone who knew them saw how deeply they loved each other.
Some say marriages are made in heaven. That was theirs. They fit perfectly—no lies, no deceit, just warmth.
After the wedding, Tom’s business thrived. They moved from a tiny flat to a proper house, bought cars, holidayed abroad. Life was golden.
Tom believed a man should provide. Lucy worked, sure, but her earnings were never the mainstay. She spent on herself—salons, shopping, little indulgences. Occasionally, she’d pick up groceries or small bills, but Tom carried the weight. It suited him that way.
Now he had to admit defeat. He’d failed.
Part of him even thought—if she left him after this, he’d understand. He hadn’t kept his end of the bargain.
“How long’s it been bad?” Lucy asked quietly.
“Months. Thought I could fix it… Today, it’s official.” He sighed. “I’m sorry.”
He couldn’t meet her eyes. The shame burned.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, hurt creeping in.
“Didn’t want to drag you into it. Thought I’d handle it alone.”
“Tom!” She scowled. “We’re a family. In sickness and in health, remember? Did you really think I’d only love you when things were easy?”
“Didn’t want to weigh you down,” he muttered.
She patted his shoulder, smiling gently. “We’ll manage.”
That night, they trimmed expenses. Even with Lucy’s salary, they’d be tight for months.
“Could sell one of the cars if we must,” she offered.
“I’ll find work tomorrow,” Tom insisted. “Anything—driver, courier, doesn’t matter. Won’t lean on you.”
Lucy stayed quiet, lost in thought.
She knew Tom was a born entrepreneur. If fear stopped him now, he’d spend his life delivering parcels—unsuitable for a man who thrived on building things. Money wasn’t the point—fulfilment mattered more.
By morning, she’d made up her mind.
She asked about his business idea—listened carefully—and nodded.
“How much to start?”
He named the sum. It wasn’t small.
“And profit’s months away,” he admitted gloomily.
“Let’s sell both cars,” she said firmly.
“No,” he protested. “Your commute—”
“Tom,” she interrupted, “when I was little, I took the bus across town to music lessons. Half an hour there, then a tram for forty minutes. It was just life. I won’t crumble doing it again now. A twenty-minute walk won’t kill me—might even lose some weight.”
He hesitated. Usually confident, even ruthless in business, he felt like a scared boy now. Not fearing the loss of money—but her faith.
“What if I fail?”
“Then you try something else. I believe in you.”
Her friends called her a fool.
“Shouldn’t be funding a man! Let him work!” one scoffed.
“Never give up my car!” snapped another.
Lucy just smiled. “I love my husband. I trust him. You lot act like marriage’s only for sunshine.”
A year later, their fortunes turned. Two years, even better. New cars—nicer ones.
Then, walking past a shop window, Tom saw it—that same blue dress, forgotten now.
He bought it without hesitation.
That evening, she gasped.
“This? The very one?”
“You deserve the best,” he murmured. “Wear it to Emily’s birthday. To hell with the birthday girl—let them all see I married the finest woman alive.”
**Lesson learnt:** A true partner stands by you—not just in the light, but through every shadow. Love isn’t measured in pounds, but in faith.
