"I don't think I can, Mary. I've regretted my one mistake ever since that night. I've tried to live with the consequences, but I can't do this anymore. Please, stop this. Please stop punishing me."
His wife sat her fork down and studied him for a moment.
"John, this isn't about what you did four years ago. Yes, that triggered it, but, even if you hadn't slipped, I would have eventually realized that I needed more than you can give. I was already unhappy."
"What can I do to make you happy, Mary? What more can I give?"
She pursed her lips. "That's what I'm trying to tell you, John. There isn't anything more you can give. There isn't anything you can do to make me happy, except accept this and be happy with me. This is who I am. Accept it and we will be fine."
"I can't do that, Mary. I've tried, but it kills me every time."
She took the last bite from her plate. "This chicken is really good. I love the asparagus too. You should eat."
He looked down at his plate, steak, potato, and steamed broccoli, all untouched. A tear crested in his eye and dripped down his cheek. Hastily, he wiped it away. His stomach churned and he knew that if he took even a single bite he would be sick.
She took a sip of wine. "This wine is excellent. I'll have to pick up a bottle or two. Dave will really like it." Setting the glass down, she looked at him and her lips tightened.
They sat like that for a few moments, her watching him. Finally, she nodded, sadness filling her eyes.
"I'm sorry, John. I do love you but I can't change who I am."
He gazed at her. She was beautiful; sex personified, in her revealing top and short skirt. He watched as she picked up her phone and pressed a button. Standing she looked down at him.
"Goodbye, John."
He watched her turn. She said something into the phone and then laughed as she walked toward the exit.
