I slipped into the study without knocking and the cold that ran down my spine came from what Id just heard on the phone.
We ought to get new curtains, said Ethel, eyes fixed on the livingroom window. These have faded completely.
Edward put down the Sunday Times and glanced at the pane.
I think theyre fine. Why change them?
Edward, theyve been up there eight years! Ethel sighed. Its high time for a refresh.
All right, buy them if you like, Edward muttered, turning back to his paper.
Ethel drifted into the kitchen and set about making dinner. It was an ordinary evening, the sort of evenings wed spent the last twentytwo years of marriage on, chatting about the most mundane things.
She sliced vegetables for a salad, set a pot of potatoes to boil, and retrieved the meat from the fridge. The motions were familiar, honed by countless repetitions. Occasionally she caught herself living on autopilot work, home, cooking, cleaning, round it goes.
Ethel, tea? shouted Edward from the lounge.
In a minute! she called back.
Edward was the chief engineer at a large factory on the outskirts of Birmingham. Lately hed been staying late, coming home exhausted. Ethel wrote it off as a heavy workload after all, hed mentioned a new project was about to launch.
His phone rang. He rose quickly, closed the door behind him as he headed to the study. Ethel could hear his muted voice, but the words were indecipherable.
It was unlike him. Hed always taken calls in her presence, never disappearing. Yet this was the third time in a week hed slipped away to the study.
A frown crept onto Ethels face. Something was off. She tried to shake the uneasy thoughts, but they kept bubbling up. What if? she thought, then dismissed it. Hed been with her all these years; cheating didnt fit his character.
Still, doubts gnawed. She remembered a faint lipstick stain on his shirt from the previous week. Edwardd blamed it on a colleague, Natalie, saying shed brushed against him at a company dinner. Ethel had believed him.
Hed also started checking his reflection more often, bought a new aftershave, and taken greater pride in his attire, insisting the dress code at work had tightened.
Ethel shook her head. Im overthinking. She told herself it was just fatigue, paranoia. Edward was a decent, loving husband. Their life was stable; why would he want to change anything?
Dinner was ready. She set the table and called Edward. He emerged from the study, looking thoughtful.
Everything alright? Ethel asked.
Yes, all good, he sat down. Just work stuff.
They ate in silence. Ethel stole glances at Edward, who seemed distant, his mind elsewhere. Hed usually fill her in about his day, now he was quiet.
Hows the project coming along? she ventured.
Its going fine, Edward replied briefly. Ethel, may I go to bed early? Im knackered.
Of course, she said, masking her disappointment.
Edward retreated to the bedroom while Ethel cleared the table, washing dishes and wondering what was happening. Why had he become so withdrawn? Their bond had always been close.
Maybe she should confront him directly? Yet she feared looking like a paranoid nag.
The next evening Ethel came home early from work her manager let everyone off an hour early because the power had been cut. The lights were on, so Edward must have been there. She slipped into the lounge, but the house was empty. The kitchen was vacant too. A muffled voice drifted from the study.
She hesitated to knock. The study was never offlimits, so she pushed the door open.
Edward stood by the window, phone pressed to his ear. He turned sharply as she entered, his face twisted with alarm.
Yes, well talk later, he snapped into the handset and hung up.
Ethel had already caught a few fragments. A chill settled deep inside her.
You know how important this is to me No, I cant keep going like this Ill try to sort it all tomorrow She mustnt find out
The last sentence rang clear, spoken before Edward noticed her.
Ethel froze in the doorway, the world seeming to pause. She mustnt find out. Who was she? What was she being kept from?
Ethel, Edward forced a weak smile, youre back early.
Got the day off, she replied evenly, though her heart hammered. Who were you talking to?
A colleague, he said quickly. Work matters.
Work? she stepped further in. Edward, I heard you say she mustnt find out. Who are you referring to?
Edwards face went pale. He opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again.
Its complicated, I cant explain properly.
Try, Ethel said coldly. I have time.
Edward ran a hand through his hair, his eyes darting.
I didnt want you to discover it this way.
Ethels heart leapt something was definitely hidden.
Discovered what? she forced herself to keep her voice steady. Edward, be straight. Do you have someone else?
What?! he stared at her. Who else?
Stop pretending! tears pricked Ethels eyes. Youve been staying late, hiding phone calls, the lipstick mark! And now this! She mustnt find out!
Edward fell silent, his bewildered stare louder than any words. Ethel felt the floor drop away beneath her.
My God, she whispered. Its true then. You have someone else.
No, Ethel, no! Edward lunged toward her. Youve got it all wrong!
Then explain! she stepped back. What am I supposed to understand? Who was she?
Edward sank onto a chair, covering his face with his hands.
Theres no affair, I swear.
Then what? Ethels tears fell freely now. Tell me!
I Edward lifted his head, his eyes full of anguish. I cant tell you yet. Not yet.
How can you not? she shouted. Im your wife! I deserve to know!
I know, he stood. Just give me a bit more time. By the end of the week Ill explain everything. I promise.
How much time? she wiped her cheeks. A day? A week? A month?
By Saturday, Edward said firmly. Ill lay it all out then. Please, not now.
Ethel stared at him long enough to see the conflict in his eyes. Part of her wanted to scream for answers now, another part sensed he was genuinely at a breaking point.
Fine, she sighed. Until Saturday. But if youre lying, if there really is another woman I wont forgive you.
There isnt another woman, Edward took her hands. Ethel, I love you, only you. Trust me.
She looked into his eyes, feeling his sincerity, yet still wondering what the secret could be.
The days that followed were a torment. Ethel tried to act normal, but her mind kept replaying every possible scenario. She lay awake, wondering if Edward was in debt, ill, or about to lose his job.
Her friend Margaret, noticing Ethels gloom, asked what was wrong. Ethel finally broke down.
Margaret, she said, I shouldnt wait till Saturday. I should check his phone, look at his messages.
Thats low, Margaret replied. But you have a right to know the truth.
Ethel hesitated. Shed always respected Edwards privacy; snooping felt like betrayal.
That Thursday night Edward was on the phone in the study for a long spell. Ethel stood at the door, straining to hear, then chastised herself for eavesdropping. She only caught fragments: I think shell be pleased we need to organise everything properly yes, Saturday
Pleased? Pleased about what? She felt more tangled.
Friday morning Edward left for work unusually early, citing an important meeting. Ethel took the day off, unable to work under such strain. She paced the flat, trying to distract herself with chores, but the thoughts kept circling.
Her phone rang. An unknown number.
Hello?
Is this Ethel Harper? a womans voice said.
Yes, whos calling?
Im Helen. I know your husband. I need to meet you. Its important.
Ethels heart lurched.
Where?
In an hour, at the Café on Oxford Street. Ill be in a blue coat.
She arrived early, sat by the window, fidgeting with a napkin. A tall, elegant woman in a blue coat entered, midforties, with a calm smile.
Ethel Harper? she asked.
Yes, thats me, Ethel stood. Please, have a seat.
They sat opposite each other. Helens demeanor was soothing.
Thank you for coming, Helen said. I know this is difficult for you. Edward told me everything.
Everything? Ethel clenched her fists. What did he say?
That you overheard a conversation and misinterpreted it, Helen opened a folder. He was extremely worried, didnt want the surprise to be ruined. But Ive decided you deserve to know the truth.
Helen spread out photographs.
Im the director of a charity that helps homeless animals, she explained. Your husband approached us three months ago about a partnership.
Ethel blinked. Animals?
Edward wanted to set up a shelter, Helen continued. A large, modern haven for dogs and cats. He bought a plot on the outskirts of town, hired builders, poured his savings into it. Construction is almost finished.
A shelter? Ethel gasped. For animals?
Yes, Helen smiled. Edward has always dreamed of helping stray animals but never knew how to start. He wanted to surprise you with a shelter named after you for your birthday.
Ethel sat stunned, unable to speak. All those late nights, secret phone calls, the lipstick mark it was all for this.
Why didnt he tell you? she asked softly.
He feared the surprise would be spoiled if you found out early, Helen said, showing more pictures of the nearly completed kennels, a veterinary clinic, volunteer quarters. Hes been saving, even sold his parents cottage and taken a loan, all for this.
Tears streamed down Ethels cheeks from embarrassment, relief, joy. She had imagined infidelity, but it was a dream come true.
Im such a fool, she sobbed. I thought he had someone else.
Edward loves you dearly, Helen said gently, patting her hand. He just wanted to keep the secret. Hell hold a ribboncutting ceremony on Saturday, your birthday.
Ethel wiped her face.
I ruined it, didnt I?
You didnt ruin anything, Helen assured her. The truths out now. Go home, talk to him. Hes anxious.
Ethel returned home on trembling legs. The study was empty; Edward was still at work. She opened the folder on his desk, finding land purchase agreements, building estimates, shelter plans, and a letter addressed to her.
My dearest Ethel,
If youre reading this, something has gone awry and youve discovered the shelter before its reveal. Im sorry for the secrecy, for the worry I caused. I wanted to give you the greatest surprise for our twentysecond wedding anniversary and your birthday. Youve always spoken of helping animals, and I wanted to make that a reality. This shelter is yours, in your name. I love you more than words can say.
Forever yours, Edward.
She read the heartfelt words through her tears, realizing how wildly shed misread the situation.
The front door slammed open. Edward stepped in, seeing her holding the letter.
Ethel, he stopped in the doorway. You read it?
I did, she replied, moving toward him. And met Helen. She told me everything.
Edwards shoulders slumped.
Im sorry the surprise failed, he said.
It didnt, Ethel said, embracing him. Its the best surprise ever, just early.
He laughed weakly.
I should have told you straight away, but I wanted it to be perfect.
Its alright, she whispered. I was being a paranoid fool.
He looked at her, eyes wide.
You thought I was cheating?
She nodded, cheeks flushed.
My God, Edward, that never crossed my mind! Youre my only one.
I know now, she said, smiling through tears. Im sorry, love.
That evening they sat at the kitchen table drinking tea. Edward described the shelters details the size of the kennels, ventilation, temperature controls, the literature hed read.
You have no idea how many nuances there are, he said, eyes bright. The enclosures need specific dimensions, the clinic needs special equipment.
Ethel listened, delighted to see him so animated.
Do you regret the money? she asked. Youve poured everything into this.
Not a penny, he took her hand. Itll go to a good cause. Well save hundreds of animals, give them a second chance.
Worth it, she agreed. Absolutely.
And I know youve always wanted a dog, but the flat is cramped, so now well have an entire refuge! You can spend as much time with the dogs as you like.
Ethel laughed, tears of happiness spilling again.
Saturday arrived, her birthday. Edward drove her to the new shelter. Helen greeted them at the gate with a bouquet.
Happy birthday, Ethel Harper! she kissed her cheek. Welcome to your shelter.
Ethel walked through the gate and stopped before a large sign that read: The Ethel Harper Animal Rescue Centre.
Is this mine? she whispered.
Its yours, Edward said. You can be the director if you wish, or just a volunteer. Whatever you choose.
She approached a pen where a big ginger dog lay, eyes sad yet hopeful.
This is Rusty, Helen said. He was found injured a month ago, now recovering.
Ethel knelt, and Rusty rested his head on her lap.
Can I take him home? she asked Edward.
Of course, he grinned. Hell want his mate, Blackie, in the next pen.
Then both of them, Ethel decided. Theres room for them.
She stroked Rusty, feeling how right everything was.
That night, back at their flat, the two new dogs trotted around, sniffing every corner, wagging their tails.
You know, love, distrust is a terrible thing, Edward said, hugging her. It eats away at you, makes you see monsters where there are none.
I blame myself a bit, Ethel admitted. I should have spoken openly instead of building up fear.
At least now you know Id never cheat, he replied, smiling. Not even a thought.
They laughed, the house warm despite the snow falling outside.
The next day Ethel called Margaret.
Youve got a brilliant husband! Margaret exclaimed. Where do you find men like that?
He works at the plant, I reckon, Ethel laughed. Want to volunteer at the rescue? We could always use extra hands.
Im in! Margaret said.
The shelter became Ethels new purpose. She spent her days feeding the animals, cleaning pens, walking the dogs. Edward visited whenever his schedule allowed, helping with the veterinary clinic and fundraising.
They rescued stray cats, treated sick pups, and found forever homes for countless creatures. Every time a pet left for a new family, Ethel felt a deep satisfaction.
One evening she said to Edward,
When I heard that call and thought the worst, II realized that love and trust are the true foundations of our life together.
