Guilt

‘I have to go, David.’ She said, buttoning her shirt. She looked around the dimly lit room with a sense of urgency and guilt.

‘Whenever I come here to be with you, I can’t help but feel guilty.’ A tear welled up in the corner of her eye. Blinking out the tear, she checked her watch. It was 7. She immediately stood up. ‘Oh my God, I am late, he is going to be really pissed.’ She ran out of the room grabbing her shoes. A second later, she came back in, planted a kiss on his forehead and muttered a breathless I love you before rushing back out.

She was late. She drove home fast. Her life was a mess. She could not eat or sleep. Exhaustion had developed tiny brown circles around her eyes. It was becoming increasingly difficult to sneak out, but she HAD to do it.

She drove into the drive way and stopped the car. She took a deep breath. There was a light on in the living room, but everything else looked eerily calm. She braced herself and stepped out. Maybe she can sneak in unnoticed, she thought. Without making a noise, she removed her shoes and then gently opened the door. She looked around. No noise. Suddenly she was gripped by panic. What if something is wrong? She ran into Henry’s bedroom. She started breathing again when she saw Henry sleeping in his crib. She turned, hearing footsteps behind her. It was Ana, the baby sitter.

'Henry slept off about 20 minutes ago. He had his milk.' Ana smiled a knowing smile. Suddenly, she felt ashamed again. She quickly felt around in her purse. “I am sorry for taking more time than discussed.’ She paid Ana more than the usual. Guilt money, she thought.

‘I will leave then,’ Ana said. She nodded.

The bell rang and Ana opened the door. It is your husband, Ana announced while leaving. David came in with a naughty smile on his lips. ‘So, Henry slept off, huh?’ He asked, hugging her.

'Yes.' She sighed with relief. 'I love him so much!' Her eyes welled up again. David’s eyes started glistening. ‘Let us go check on Henry,’ He said and they walked into Henry’s room hand in hand.