Coffee is Martha's favorite drink from a young age, her partner of years and husband, Elliot, has known this since he met her, as they met by chance at a dessert event that was held at a coffee shop exactly 13 years ago. Martha is very enthusiastic when it comes to coffee, her fascination for this drink is very strong and Elliot loved this, he thought that seeing such a pretty girl being so happy about something so simple, was great, so in order to please Martha, he decided to tell what for him was a little white lie: that he also liked coffee very much. It's not that Elliot hates coffee, but he simply doesn't feel the same enthusiasm as Martha towards this drink, he prefers other things, even so, he was able to keep the innocent lie for many years, until on a quiet day like any other when he was having breakfast with Martha, he was exposed.
Elliot, not being a big fan of coffee, came up with a strategy to secretly change the coffee Martha was serving him for hot tinted water, since he was tired of drinking coffee without enjoying it, but he didn't want to hurt Martha's feelings and tell her that in fact he had never appreciated his favorite drink the way he had led her to believe. Elliot's intentions were never bad, but lies have short legs and will always seek to come to light. The day Martha would realize the theatrics came and the disappointment, sadness and confusion was reflected on her face crystal clear, her eyes watered, her spirits dulled and her voice barely came out, seeing her like this broke Elliot's heart, the pain he felt in his chest was very strong.
You lied to me -said Martha to Elliot with a broken voice- Why?, you didn't have to, you could have told me that you didn't like my coffee.
It's not that I don't like your coffee - answered Elliot with a huge sorrow - it's just that I'm not a coffee lover, once in a while it's nice to drink it, but I don't like it that much, forgive me Martha...
So you've been lying to me all this time?, we've been married for 10 years Elliot, this doesn't make sense! - Martha's disappointment could be felt intensely in her voice.
When I met you, I was fascinated with your enthusiasm when talking about what you love, I only wanted to please you at that moment and then I didn't know how to end the lie, I didn't want to take away your illusion of sharing your coffee with me every morning. - Elliot was extremely ashamed, the feeling of guilt that invaded him left him demoralized.
Martha looked at him for a long time that seemed eternal, to finally say...
At this moment I can't think clearly, but I know I don't want to talk to you, let's keep a distance for some days, you have hurt me Elliot and I have to think. -After saying that, Martha turned around and went to her study in a sepulchral silence.
Elliot remained extremely saddened by the situation, but he knew that he had brought it on himself and he could only respect Martha's decision to take some time off. The days began to pass and Martha still did not speak to Elliot, he could no longer stand idly by, so he began to leave small bouquets of flowers at the door of his studio every day. Martha loved flowers and that Elliot had always been very thoughtful with her, so he had faith that this would cheer her up a bit. Eventually, the day Martha would speak to Elliot again arrived.
It was a sunny day, two nightingales were resting in one of the kitchen windows and Martha was preparing her coffee for her when Elliot appeared to prepare himself a sandwich. Martha watched him in silence and after he sat down at the table to eat, she did the same and sat down with two cups in her hands, one had her beloved coffee and the other had green tea.
I forgive you - said Martha finally - At this Elliot quickly raised his head and looked at her with shining eyes.
Do you really? - asked Elliot hesitantly.
Yes, I forgive you and I apologize. It doesn't make me happy that you lied to me that way for so long, lies create distrust, so I hope you won't do it again, however, I know that in this case the lie is not that serious and I also know that you didn't do it with bad intentions, so I can let it go. Now, I want to apologize because I never really thought about what you wanted when it came to drinks, I know you like tea very much, but I always prepare coffee thinking about me and well, I thought you liked it too, I should have been more flexible and asked what you wanted to drink, so today I prepared this green tea, I know it's your favorite tea. -Martha extended the cup with the green tea to Elliot, who looked at her with teary eyes, but of happiness.
Before that beautiful moment, no more words were needed, Martha and Elliot joined their right hands while they ate, took their respective drinks and gave each other a beautiful kiss of reconciliation, all while the nightingales sang harmoniously in the window. After that, Martha and Elliot started having little outings at the coffee shop where they met, to share together a delicious black coffee and a green tea with lemon while enjoying the surroundings.
I chose Prompt 1
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All the images in the publication are
of my authorship, I created them in Canva.
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