25/12/2025
After 23 years of marriage, Mary just wanted a night out with her husband, Jack. But when he refusedâadmitting he felt embarrassed by herâshe couldnât have imagined the lesson that awaited her.
Jack and Mary had been married for over two decades, raising four children together. Their days had become a predictable routineâone that no longer sparked any excitement between them.
Jack would come home from work, flop on the couch, and turn on the TV. Meanwhile, Maryâs day seemed never-ending. She cooked, cleaned, helped with homework, did the laundry, and put their youngest to bedâonly stopping when exhaustion overtook her.
Late at night, when the house was quiet, she would watch romantic movies, imagining herself in the stories. She missed feeling special, feeling loved.
One evening, as she looked in the mirror, she barely recognized her reflection. The vibrant young woman from her wedding photo had disappeared, replaced by someone tired, drained, and invisible. But she refused to accept that as her reality.
The next day, when Jack got home, Mary set the table with a little more care. During dinner, she gathered her courage.
âJack,â she said, offering a soft smile, âI was thinking⊠maybe we could go on a date. Thereâs a new place downtown. It would be nice to spend some time together.â
Jack laughed mockingly, surprised by the suggestion.
âA date? Why? Itâs not a special day or anything.â
Maryâs smile faltered.
âDo we need a reason?â she asked gently. âWe used to go out just because we wanted to.â
Instead of being moved, Jack became irritated.
âLook at you!â he scoffed. âWhy would I take you out? You look terrible.â
Maryâs heart clenched with pain.
âI just finished cleaning the house, thatâs why I look like this,â she murmured.
Jack shook his head, completely indifferent.
âNo. You look like that every day. You used to take care of yourselfâdoing your hair, dressing nicelyâbut now?â He grimaced. âYou look like an old maid. I donât know when you stopped caring.â
Tears burned in Maryâs eyes, but still, Jack didnât soften his attitude.
âTo be honest, Iâm embarrassed by you,â Jack said. âI canât go out with you like this.â
Then, without saying another word, he grabbed his jacket and walked out the door.
Jack went to his best friend Samuelâs house, eager for a night at the bar. But Sam shook his head.
âSorry, buddy. I have a date with my wife.â
Jack frowned, offended.
âA date? On a random night?â
Before Sam could respond, his wife appeared at the top of the stairsâradiant.
She wore a beautiful dress, her hair elegantly styled. In her arms, she held a bunch of fresh flowers.
âSam, I just found these in our bedroom!â she exclaimed, kissing him on the cheek.
âIâm glad you like them.â Sam smiled, pulling a gift bag from behind the door.
She looked inside the bag and gasped in surprise.
âSam, this is beautiful! Iâll wear this tonight!â she said, running to change.
Jack watched in disbelief.
âYour wife looks amazing,â he muttered. âAnd she looks⊠happy. Mine always looks miserable. She barely smiles anymore.â
Samâs expression turned serious.
âWhen was the last time you took Mary on a date?â Sam asked.
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