Unresolved Issues

{c}Copyright 2004 - Bruce Gaughran

It was 7:00 PM and Shane’s stomach growled. The normal aroma of supper was missing from the air this evening, so he decides to find out what was going on. As he walks into the kitchen, he sees Sarah sitting at the kitchen table knitting. He looks around the kitchen and doesn’t see anything cooking. “What’s for supper, Sweets?”

Sarah has been waiting for this moment for some time, without looking up she responds, “Whatever you fix is fine with me.”

Sarah’s comment was the last thing Shane wanted to hear this evening. As far as he knew, he had not done anything to upset her recently. She was post-menopausal, so that shouldn’t be an issue any more. She normally doesn’t have wild mood swings, so it can’t be depression or anything like that. Frustrated with the whole situation, he snaps back in anger – probably a little harsher than he wants or initially expects, “This is the third night in a row you haven’t made supper, Sarah. What the hell am I being punished for this time, or it is just you don’t cook anymore?”

Sarah places her yarn and needles on the table and looks up. Even though her insides churned all day in anticipation of this moment, she attempts to look calm and comfortable. “Shane, I didn’t mind waiting on you hand and foot while you were working the last forty years, but you are retired now. It is about time you took a little responsibility around the house.”

Shane feels the heat build up in his face and knows he is turning crimson red. For a moment, he just stands there speechless, but his anger and frustration is too great to ignore. “Sarah, I have just about had enough of this crap. Either you make dinner right now or I am going out to eat.”

Sarah, knowing her husband’s every move, had anticipated his response. She smiles, rises from the table, and says as she walks towards the door, “That sounds great, Honey. Where are we going?”

“WE,” Shane emphasizes, “are not going anywhere. I am going out alone.”

Sarah stops dead in her tracks at the door and before turning, puts on her best-hurt expression even though inside she loves every moment of this. “Oh, all right then, would you mind bringing me home something? I haven’t eaten all day.” She immediately turns away and Shane can hear little sniffling noises.

“There you go again. Every time we try to have a decent discussion about something, you end up crying. You know I can’t argue with you when you cry.” He walks over to her and places his hand on her shoulder. “Come on, Sweets, let’s go get something to eat. How about I take you to that Mexican restaurant in town that you like so much?”

She turns into him and places her head on his chest. She knows she mustn't retreat now. They were so close to actually talking something out for once. “You know, Hon, this does not solve our problem. I still don’t believe I should have to cook for you all the time now that you are retired.”

“Sarah, I just don’t understand this change in you. We were so happy before I retired. What happened?”

“We both have changed, Honey. We are both getting older and I need some help around the house. I just can’t keep up with everything like I used to.”

Shrugging his shoulder in defeat and acceptance, he smiles sheepishly, “Okay, I still don’t understand the cooking issue, but I agree we need to talk this through. But, can’t we just go out to a peaceful dinner first? I am hungry.”

Sarah hugs him a little tighter and looks up into his eyes, “Okay, as long as you agree to talk tonight after we get home from dinner.”

Shane smiles in relief, “Agreed. Now, go grab your coat.”

As they head out the door, both know that this issue is far from being resolved. This evening’s discussion will not be the last on this subject and won't be any easier the next time.