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.
