My husband works very hard because he wants the best for us. When we got married seven years ago, he was thin, carefree and fun to be with. Two kids and some debts later, life has been very routine for us. He’s the last to sleep and the first to wake up. I love him very much for all the good things he brings to our lives.

When he’s worried, I’m worried. I try every means to calm him down but it usually doesn’t work. He would just say; “I will be fine, don’t worry.” He’ll then pull himself together and be the man of the house.

Weeks ago, he said he was feeling sick—sick and tired of his boss and wished he would not go to work. I was in the kitchen making morning meals for the children and us. He kept talking and talking while I stayed alert thinking of what to say to make him feel better. I said, “I can call your office on your behalf and tell them you’re not feeling well.”

He shook his head and said, “Bad idea. I’ll go to work tomorrow and find today’s work waiting for me.” I asked, “So what should I do to make you feel better?” He gave me the usual line, “Don’t worry I’ll be fine.”

He entered the bathroom. The taxi driver came for the kids to send to school. I stayed in the bedroom until he returned from the bathroom. I held the towel covering his waist and pulled it down. He asked, “What?” I responded, “Just watch me.”

For about fifteen minutes I took him all in. Oral.  He was breathless. He forgot his name. We hadn’t done that in years. When all was said and done, he smiled; “Wow…it’s been ages. Thank you.” “I hope you feel better now?” I asked. He smiled.

He ate his food while wearing a broad smile. He left the house with a wide grin. He looked at me suspiciously before stepping out of the door. In the afternoon he sent me a message; “That was good.” We chatted and laughed about it.

Now, every morning he wakes up complaining about work and talks about how his boss has been stressing him. I don’t know if it’s genuine or it’s the thing he wants.

The Secret He Wasn’t Telling Me Was On His Phone

He has stopped saying “Don’t worry I will be fine.” He wants me to make him fine but that act can’t be normalized. It’s a weapon I’m reserving for the days when nothing can make him feel better. He can’t have it every day. Or I’m being mean?

— Favour

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