I See What You See

I See What You See

Carolyn was catching a quick hour on the computer before Gerald came home. It was her one joy and relaxation at the end of each work day, and she felt entitled to it. Nevertheless, when she heard the crunch of gravel in the driveway, she automatically started to save her work. When he came home, he wanted her full attention.

Realizing her guilty reaction, she told herself she shouldn’t have to feel this way. It was her house too, and she too had had a busy day. Why shouldn’t she finish what she was doing?

Gerald came through the door with his genial, “Honey, I’m home.” Seeing her still seated there with the laptop, he stopped short.

Carolyn looked up, and as she saw his eyes, she paled. As he scanned the room, she saw everything he saw: the mending piled on the chair, the box of pictures left on the hearth, her empty soda can, the stack of mail, the bills to be sorted and filed. Worst of all, she saw herself, sitting there as if nothing mattered but what was in front of her, what she wanted to do, to write.

But that wasn’t all, because when Gerald looked into her eyes, he too saw something else. He saw himself irritated that she hadn't moved. He saw the anger building in the tightness of his jaw. He saw himself throw his jacket on the floor, his face reddening as he said, “Don’t you even care that I’m home?”

Carolyn got up quickly, shaken. She crossed the room and stood facing him within arms’ length. He returned the gaze, equally astonished. Neither said a word, and then they both spoke at once.

“I love you,” they said, and held each other crying.