Unresolved Issues

Copyright 2004 - Bruce Gaughran
Rev. 3 - October 2011

Shane’s stomach growls.  It was 7:00 PM and the aroma of supper was missing from the air again this evening.  As he walks into the kitchen, he sees Sarah sitting at the table knitting.  He looks around and doesn’t see anything cooking.  “What’s for supper, Sweets?”

Sarah has been waiting for this moment; without looking up she responds, “Whatever you fix is fine with me.”

Sarah’s comment is the last thing Shane wanted to hear.  As far as he knew, he had not done anything to upset her recently.  She was post-menopausal, so that shouldn’t be an issue.  She normally doesn’t have wild mood swings, so it can’t be depression or anything like that.  Frustrated with the whole situation, he snaps back in anger – probably a more harsh than he wants, “This is the third night in a row you haven’t made supper, Sarah.  What the hell am I being punished for this time?  Or, is it just that you don’t cook anymore?”

Sarah places her yarn and needles on the table and looks up.  Even though her insides churned, she attempts to look calm and comfortable.  “Shane, I didn’t mind waiting on you hand and foot while you were working the last forty years, but you are retired now.  It is about time you took a little responsibility around the house.”

Shane feels the heat build up in his face and knows he is turning crimson red.  For a moment, he just stands there speechless, but his anger and frustration are too great to ignore.  “Sarah, I have just about had enough of this crap!  Either you make dinner right now or I am going out to eat.”

Sarah, knowing her husband’s every move, has anticipated his response.  She smiles, rises from the table, and as she walks towards the door she remarks, “That sounds great, Honey.  Where are we going?”

“WE,” Shane emphasizes, “are not going anywhere.  I am going out by myself.  A beer and a ‘brat’ sound awful good to me right about now.”

Sarah stops.  “Oh, all right then, would you mind bringing me home something?  Between the laundry, house cleaning and paying the bills today, I haven’t had a chance to eat anything since breakfast.” 

Shane thinks he can hear little sniffling noises.  He shakes his head as his anger begins to melt away.  “There you go again.  Every time we try to have a decent discussion about something, you end up crying.  You know we can’t get anything resolved when you get like this.”  He walks over to her and wraps his arms around her.  “Come on, Sweets, let’s go get something to eat.  How about I take you to that Mexican restaurant you like so much?”

Sarah turns into him and places her head on his chest.  She knows she mustn't retreat now.    She wipes her nose and eyes with a tissue.  “You know, Hon, this doesn’t solve our problem.  I still don’t believe I should have to cook for you every day as well as do all the chores now that you are retired.”

“Sarah, I just don’t understand this change in you.  We were so happy before I retired.  What happened?”

“We both have changed, Honey.  We’re both getting older and I need some help around the house.  I just can’t keep up with everything like I used to.”

Shrugging his shoulder in defeat and acceptance, he smiles sheepishly, “Okay, I still don’t understand the cooking issue, but I agree we need to talk this through.  Perhaps I can help out with some of the chores.  But, can’t we just go out for a nice peaceful dinner first?  I’m hungry.”

Sarah hugs him a little tighter and looks up into his eyes, “Okay, as long as you agree to talk about it when we get home.”

Shane smiles in relief, “Agreed.”

As they head out the door, both know that the issue is far from being resolved.  This evening’s discussion will not be the last on the subject and won't be any easier the next time.