He sat at the computer. I walked in and called out his name. I got a nod, if you could call it that. His eyes never wavered from the computer screen. The honeymoon was over. How could I have lost favor so quickly? It had only been six years.
In the beginning, he’d see my face and break into a smile with eyes full of excitement. Sometimes when I’d leave the house, he’d pull at me as though he was afraid I’d never return. He’d cover me with full body hugs. I’d kiss him all over his face and he’d laugh playfully. He’d snuggle his face into my neck. He’d boldly, yet caringly, take hold of my face and hold my gaze affixed to his face. I was the only person in his life that mattered during those times. I felt more beautiful than I ever had. I’d waited so long for those special feelings and I loved those moments. He was the man I’d always dreamed of finding. The wait was worth it.
For the first couple of years, it seemed like it would last forever. No matter what choices he had, he’d pick to be with me. He’d pen cute little love notes and leave them for me. Even shopping together was an adventure for us. No matter what I asked of him, he was game. There was never any, “Nah, I don’t wanna go” or “I don’t have time to spend with you.” He loved to listen to me read to him as we nestled on the couch, his head sometimes cradled in my lap. The books weren’t deep or romantic, more often than not, we’d read the same simple stories over and over until we knew them word by word.
But it wasn’t long before I noticed subtle differences. I’d lean over to kiss him and he’d dodge my lips. He’d turn on the television without inviting me to watch with him. Friends came to the door and he’d leave even if I’d just arrived.
But after this latest incidence of being overlooked, it was impossible not to admit that times had changed. I’d never stop loving him as much as I ever had, but I’d quietly let our relationship change into something he could handle comfortably in his life. I didn’t want to lose him completely.
But no sense waiting. I’d be onto the next within days. Two days tops. After all, my daughter had just given birth to my next grandchild. And I’d have at least six more years of unbridled affection. The Bug, grandchild #1, would never even notice the transition.
New Mouse in town
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