Charlie arrived home in his company car, dropped off right at the front gate. Exhausted from the drive, he stepped out unhurriedly, lifted his suitcase, waved the driver away and, after a deep breath, announced, The welcomehome ritual is about to begin.
His wife, Katherine, emerged in a flowing, colourful summer dress that perfectly echoed the late July sunshine. She always chose her outfits to match the month, and todays gown sang in harmony with the blooming season.
Running a hand through her silky hair that fell like a waterfall over her shoulders, she quickened her pace, flashed a gracious smile at Charlie and said, Charlie, weve been waiting forever Ive found an incredible landscape designer, his schedule is packed, but I managed to strike a deal.
Charles wanted to fire off a question about the price, but remembered that the ritual required a kiss first. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
Katherine, you look radiant, he murmured, wrapping his arms around her narrow waist. Ive missed you terribly.
Ive missed you too, she replied, pulling him close and, for a moment, forgetting the designer altogether.
Is Nora home? Charles asked.
Shes at a friends nearby you know the Dollins daughter, Katherine answered.
So its just us, he said, feeling the longing swell inside him. He hurried to the shower, then led his wife to the bedroom.
Katherine, Ive also discovered a boutique. I bought something I think youll love a dress thats absolutely breathtaking, he said.
Can we skip the dress? he teased, pulling her nearer. You could even go without any clothes at all youre perfect to me just as you are.
Later, as he slipped into his jacket, Katherine lamented, Charlie, Ive put so much effort into my wardrobe, and you barely even glance at it.
Later, Ill take a look, he replied, hoping thered be something decent to eat without having to dash to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for you. Mrs. Parker has the whole feast ready, she added, referring to the housekeeper with a fond sigh.
Isnt it my job to bring the right people to make our home as splendid as the Dollins? The new furniture is my doing, after all, Katherine continued.
The old pieces havent even had time to look tired, Charles noted.
And the curtains? she mused. Dont you see how well they match everything?
I appreciate it all, Katherine, and I never hold back on the finances, he said, choosing to stay silent to avoid hurting her feelings.
Oh, Charlie, Ive got a salon appointment! she exclaimed, a hint of panic flashing across her face.
Whats the rush? he asked.
Its a topnotch salon I booked a month ago. I cant be late, so dont worry, love Nora will be here soon she asked me to bring something with me.
What with?
To the salon.
Isnt it early for her to be thinking about salons?
Let the girl get used to looking after herself, learn a bit of elegance, she replied.
Let the boys court her when shes grown, Charles muttered under his breath.
Exactly, but it has to be firstclass, Katherine said, turning sharply, her light hair bouncing in time with her movement.
Charles ate his dinner alone. Soon after, Nora bounded into the room.
Dad! she shouted, clinging to him as the homecoming ritual continued. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Oh, shes gone! I asked her to bring me along for a manicure.
Nora, your nails are flawless, Charlie praised.
Dad, youre joking? That shade is out of fashion.
I bet you applied that polish three days ago, but today a new trend has swooped in, and you rushed to change it, he teased.
Dad, seriously
I was reading this book the other day
And when do you find the time? You work all the time
On the road, in the breaks maybe you should read something too.
Sure, I read every day, various things
I get it: the latest fashions, makeup, all that nonsense
Dad, Im just a girl
Girl, girl alright, come here, he said, planting a kiss on her forehead. I still love you.
That evening Katherine returned, still looking freshly styled. How do you like it? she asked, twirling.
Charles tried to pinpoint what had changed and, to avoid a misstep, replied simply, Stunning. Youre enchanting.
By nightfall he was weary, despite having been home only a day.
Charlie, I forgot to tell you Aunt Marilyn called, worried about you, Katherine mentioned.
Oh, Auntie right, I should visit her. Ill call tomorrow.
Are you going to her?
Why going? Were all going together.
Youre joking? What could we possibly do in that village?
Its not a village, its a market town. Just four hours by car.
I dont see the difference.
Its a shame, Charlie mumbled as he drifted off. Ill be traveling alone.
Charles never liked long visits, but he also didnt linger at home for too long; business trips kept him away. Yet Aunt Marilyn, a dear aunt who had been like a second mother for about ten years, deserved a visit.
He drove his own car to her town, rolled down the windows and let the headwind rush in, feeling lighthearted.
Charlie! Did you actually make it? Aunt Marilyn, at seventy, was warm and kindly, her smile inviting conversation. No fancy ritual needed here; everythings simple.
Aunt Marilyn, sorry its been a year since Ive seen you. You know how my work keeps me on the move.
She teased, ruffling his hair as she did when he was a child, despite being a head shorter than him now.
Sit down, Charlie, Ill get you something to eat.
He felt like a child again, being fed by his aunt. The table filled with modest, homecooked fare.
Charlie, Im not used to city meals. You must eat out all the time
Katherine and Nora love restaurants, but I prefer home cooking. I dont enjoy the pomp of tasting delicacies. By the way, Ill bring you some biscuits I found on my way.
No need, I have everything.
Forgive me, Auntie, but youre the sort of person I like to indulge.
Aunt Marilyn settled opposite him, chin supported by her hand, watching the grown nephew with quiet pride. Hed studied well, built his career, and was reliable.
Charlie, look at you, she sighed, always travelling, hopping from one place to another. How many more miles will you cover?
Im mostly up in the north, in the Lake District.
It must be cold up there.
He laughed. Its warm enough here.
Do you ever stay at home? You come, you go.
After a hearty meal, Charles took Aunt Marilyns hand, leaned in, and kissed her soft, plump fingers. Thank you, Aunt Marilyn, he said, the name rolling off his tongue affectionately.
A little berry cordial? Ive made it from my own red currants, she offered.
Of course, your cordial is like a splash of life, washing away any fatigue.
I worry, she confessed, youre a family man but youre rarely home isnt that hard?
He savoured the sweet drink. Hard? No, its easier the farther I am from my wife. The less Im tangled in endless salon visits, boutique trips, colour debates, or gossip about the Dollins.
Auntie, what about Nora?
She waved dismissively. Shes a copy of Katherine. Same interests. I gave her a little library for her birthday three years ago books she never read. I prefer paper, but digital is handy on the road. Trying to get them interested in anything else is futile. Theyll spend hours on their phones searching for the next nailart trend.
Charlie, I never imagined Aunt Marilyn said, surprised, Im always for family, but in your case
No, no, Charles shrugged. Im happy as I am. I chose my wife, wanted beauty and got it. I love her, even with all the fuss over décor and salons. It suits me.
Will Nora be okay? she asked.
Shell be fine. Shes as pretty as her mother and will find a good partner, perhaps someone like me, and live in the chocolate, he chuckled.
So youll be off again soon?
Just for a month, maybe two weeks. Thats enough rest.
But you work.
Yes, dear Aunt Marilyn, my work is my leisure.
That evening Charles packed to return home. He gave Aunt Marilyn a few pounds on the bedside table, slipped a jar of currant jam into his bag, kissed her hand and left.
Aunt Marilyn was the only person hed ever confided in about loving his business trips, and she understood that his life, as chaotic as it seemed, suited him. He felt the same about his wife, Katherine, and believed that sometimes, the distance between you and those you love can make the moments you do share all the more precious.
The real lesson he learned, after all the dresses, salons, and endless journeys, was simple: happiness isnt found in constant upgrades or farflung glamour; it lives in the quiet appreciation of the everyday moments spent with the people who matter most.
