The apartment was quiet when John walked in. It was unusual, because Sally always played music in the background and the house always seemed so alive when he arrived after work. He also did not smell her wonderful cooking. Something was wrong.
He closed the door behind him and noticed that the house was not cleaned. Sally was very particular about that too. Everything looked as if it was out of place and when he went upstairs to check if she was there, some of her clothes lay on the floor and on the bed. Most of her stuff was still there, but there were definitely some clothes missing. He checked in the bathroom and saw that her toothbrush, her hairbrush and make up were also missing.
This was definitely weird. He went back downstairs and walked into the kitchen. It was dark and he switched on the light. He noticed a note stuck on the fridge door.
Dear John
I received a phone call that my father is ill. I had to leave immediately. I tried to phone, but your phone was switched off and you never listen to the messages in any case. There are some cold chicken in the fridge. I will let you know as soon as I know what is going on.
He started to clean the kitchen and when he picked up the dishcloth from the floor, he felt a reign of terror go through his body. He has never thought of life without Sally and they had never spent a night apart ever. They would be married for twelve years next month.
John pulled out the chair and took a seat. He looked at the clock on the wall and noticed that it was nearly eight o' clock, his usual time to meet the boys down at the pub, for their usual few beers and one or two pool games. He missed her so much, he was not even in the mood to go out.
Tonight things just felt different. He felt as if he had a limb missing. He loved her more than anyone could imagine. He felt miserable and alone, and sat there at the kitchen table wondering how long she will be gone. It would probably only be a few days, but he felt a longing for her that he hasn't felt in a long time.
John was not used to thinking about his feelings but he suddenly realized that Sally was necessary to his happiness.
"What a terrible way I've been treating her. I need to spend more time with her and make her feel valued. Off with the boys to play some pool every night. No John, this has to stop. What a terrible person you are? I have to make it up to her." he said to himself out loud.
Just then he heard the door open. It was Sally. He rushed to her and gave her a hug.
She explained to him that her father's condition was not too serious and that her father was quite in good health. She decided to take the last train home.
John smiled at her because he was extremely glad she was back. Now everything felt back to normal again. He took her bag upstairs and came downstairs with a smile on his face. He grabbed his hat and opened the door.
"Where are you going now John?" Sally asked.
"Oh I thought I'd go down to the pub for a few beers and a few rounds of pool."
-The end-
