Work was agonizing. It took forever. The boss was cranky. Clients were impatient. I was on my last nerve. I starred at the clock all day waiting for this moment, the moment where I could come home to my beautiful wife and finally relax. But something was amiss.
I opened the door to our two story townhouse and was confronted by nothing. Her car was in the garage, so she had to be here, but there wasn't a trace of her to be found. The only light present was the glow from the street light, piercing through our sheer curtains. There wasn't even a smell. Usually she'd be home by now and cooking dinner. It's just a regular weeknight, so what's going on?
"Baby?" my voice echoed through the hallway and up the stairs. "Are you home?"
I looked around for her keys, her bag, her shoes, and found nothing. This was very peculiar. I set my coat and briefcase down and reached in my pocket for my phone. I knew she would have it on her especially if there were unseen circumstances that would cause her vacancy from our home. I called her and heard her ringtone from upstairs. I slipped my shoes off and thought she might have laid down for a nap and lost track of time.
Her ringtone had stopped as I opened our bedroom door. There was her phone, lying on the nightstand by her purse, but where had she gone off to? I was actually starting to worry. This wasn't like her at all. She always told me everything. I would get text messages throughout the day giving me insight to all her plans. She always kept me informed.
A heard a thump outside our room and towards the guest bathroom. "Hello?" I called out. I could feel some fear surfacing. Hundreds of scenarios ran through my mind as I tiptoed towards the guest bathroom. What if she was in trouble? How could I protect her? What if I was too late?
I pushed them aside along with the bathroom door. Nothing. I stepped towards the shower curtain and pulled it to the side. Nothing. Suddenly, I heard a giggle and the sound of feet running along the hardwood floors outside the bathroom. All worry was gone and understanding took its place. The Mrs. was feeling a bit I mischievous tonight. I ran out the bathroom and saw a glimpse of her lavender nightgown as she span around the corner and ran down the stairs.
Walking slowly out of the bathroom I started to play. "Hide and seek love?" I spoke real loud so she could hear me from wherever she may be hiding. "You know what's gonna happen if I find you."
I heard a muffled laugh come from behind the sofa as I came down the stairs. I made my way into the living room and spotted her cute little feet wiggling underneath the edge of the couch. My steps were quiet but I was certain she knew I was there. Stepping closer, I could see her figure hidden under a blanket. I slowly pulled the edge of the blanket away, revealing my darling wife smiling ear to ear.
"I found you." My voice was gruff and full of lust. I know how she loves hearing me talk like that.
"Yeah," her eyes sparkled and she was speaking through giggles, "but you haven't caught me yet."
She burst up and over the sofa in one smooth motion. Quick as a lick, she was out of the room and barreling into the kitchen. The game was most certainly on. I loosened my tie, threw it to the floor, and ran after her. "Oh you're gonna get it now" I growled.
Our house is full of tight corners and hiding spots, so she was difficult to catch. I'd see her run into a room, but by the time I could get there, she had already left. I would hear footsteps upstairs, just to get up there and hear her run down again. Every now and again I'd see another glimpse of her nightgown flow away from her hips as she avoided my pursuit.
I was getting winded. Between work and family, I hadn't made it to the gym in a while. Not only was I feeling it, but it was hard keeping my footing in my socks. My turns were getting sloppy and in my hurry to keep up with her, I slipped on the hardwood floor. There was a loud thump and I heard her immediately run towards me.