Hey, love, why are you hurrying off like that? Did work wear you out? Katie calls out to her neighbour and friend, Ruby.
Oh, Katie, I didnt even see you. Im lost in my thoughts. Moneys gone sideways this month. Weve paid for Ethans graduation party, bought Lily a few things, Andrew sent the child support, the mortgage is settled and thats itnow we just muddle through, Ruby sighs.
Did you both split the bonus? Katie asks with a smile.
What bonus? Ruby looks puzzled.
The one from the head office, with the extra payment attached. I got the same last year, Katie replies.
Really? Ruby says, bewildered.
Probably he forgot to tell you. Hes a modest bloke, never boasts. And have you noticed how sugar prices have shot up? Its crazy how they keep inflating everything! No salary or bonus can cover it all, Katie changes the subject, sensing something off.
The two women chat a bit longer by the lift, then part ways. Ruby returns home with mixed feelings. She has always thought there were no secrets between her and Andrew, but now she realises there might be. Andrew never mentioned the bonus, nor the certificate, and the fact that he may have kept it secret on purpose makes her wonder what else hes hiding.
All day Ruby ponders. She runs through many scenarios, and the most plausible one is that Andrew has a lover. She decides not to jump to conclusions and to ask him directly that evening, bracing herself for the worst.
When Andrew gets home from work, Ruby serves dinner and, without beating around the bush, asks straight about the bonus.
Yes, Ruby, there was a bonus Andrew says quietly, lowering his head.
Is there anything else you want to tell me? she asks calmly.
I didnt spend it on myself, dont get the wrong idea. Lucy wanted a new bike for the summer. I couldnt say no. She barely sees me, so I thought I should make up for it
So Im so unimportant to you that you ignore my opinion completely?! Rubys voice trembles with hurt and tears. The sting is less about herself and more about the children.
When Ruby first met Andrew, he had been divorced for a year. He has a teenage daughter, Lucy, from his previous marriage. Ruby never objected to him seeing his daughter. Lucy often stayed over, they took her on holidays, and Andrew paid child support faithfully. Lucy also habitually asked for things, and refusals were rare.
Lucy grew into a demanding, pampered teenager. Ruby never interferes with how Andrew raises her, believing the parents know best. If Andrew seeks her advice on a specific situation, Ruby shares her view, but she never gets upset if he chooses a different route.
Ruby already juggles her two own children. Elevenyearold Ethan just finished primary school, and sevenyearold Lily will start Year 1 this autumn.
This summers expenses explode. Besides groceries and the mortgage, they have to fund Ethans graduation celebrations. The fridge breaks down impossible to get through a British summer without it. A repair quote comes close to the price of a new one.
Ruby scrapes every penny, even borrowing a little from her sister to stretch until the next payday. The bonus would have covered the shortfall and was exactly what they needed to plug the gap in the family budget.
Then Lucy spots an expensive bike model on a popular vlog and insists on that one, not a cheaper version. The price is astronomical, especially at the height of the season.
Ruby, you have to understand, I couldnt refuse, Andrew tries to explain.
There are other options wait a bit, buy a less pricey model, split the cost, involve Lucys mum, grandparents, anyone. We could have discussed it together, Ruby says quietly, not wanting to wake the kids.
If I hadnt bought it, Lucy would have been upset, Andrew replies.
So she only loves you when you give in without a word? Shes just manipulating you, Ruby retorts.
A heavy silence settles over the kitchen. After a moment, Andrew adds, But we also bought Lily a bike and Ethan a pair of rollerblades.
We did. Lilys bike was a secondhand bargain, and most of the money for the skates came from my parents. We only spent on a helmet and knee pads from our own budget, Ruby explains.
Lets start counting! Andrew snaps.
Its not about the maths, its that you bought an expensive bike in secret, hiding the bonus, and that our children are ready to compromise while you cater to every whim of Lucy at their expense! Lily asked for a dollhouse, I didnt order it because shes old enough to understand. Lucy, at fifteen, should also start thinking responsibly. This is about trust youre willing to satisfy Lucys desires even if it hurts our own kids, Ruby says, her voice low.
She leaves the kitchen, exhausted, and checks the nursery to make sure Ethan and Lily are asleep. She lies down herself, but sleep evades her as she hears Andrew coughing, sighing, and stepping onto the balcony for a cigarette.
In the morning, Andrew is already in the bathroom. Ruby cant tell if hes even slept. Breakfast is unusually quiet. Andrew doesnt start a conversation, and Ruby doesnt know what to say. Even the children seem subdued. The flat feels strangely uncomfortable. Andrew finishes his tea and leaves for work in silence.
Evening repeats the pattern. The family dines in silence, the kids whispering among themselves. While Ruby washes the dishes, Andrew leans in and says, Ruby, Im on call tomorrow. I wont be home. That okay?
Okay, she replies softly, trying to keep the tension down.
Ruby had hoped to suggest a weekend trip to the woods for mushroompicking, but now the weekend will be spent stuck inside. She spends Saturday morning fretting, blaming herself for the growing distance. It feels as if the closeness they once had has vanished completely.
Mum, wheres Dad? Lily asks, eyes wide.
At work, Ruby answers.
You two fighting? Lilys inquisitive stare probes.
No, love, just a disagreement about what to buy and what not to buy. Grownups argue sometimes, but Dads still the best, Ruby reassures her.
The day feels jittery. Ruby goes about the chores, masking the tension, but the unease seeps into the childrens behaviour.
Ethan hunches over his phone, Lily doodles at the table. Dinner passes, and by sevenp.m. Andrew is still not back, so the meal is just the three of them.
When the front door finally bangs open, Lily is the first to shout, Yay, Dads home! She darts from her seat to meet him.
Hey, love. Hows it going? Heres something for you, Andrew says, handing Lily a new Barbie shes been eyeing.
Wow, Dad! Thanks a lot! Its exactly what I wanted! she beams, clutching the doll.
Ruby stands, watching her husband step in.
Hi, Andrew says.
Hi, Ruby replies, softening her tone.
Ethan, heres a new football for you, Andrew hands their son a bright ball.
Thanks, Dad! Mum, can we play in the garden with the lads tomorrow? Ethan asks.
Of course, Ruby answers.
Later, when the house finally quiets, Andrew sits down beside Ruby.
Ruby, Ive been offered some extra weekend work. Would you mind if I take it? Itd bring in extra cash, he says, sliding a few notes across the table.
If it doesnt harm your health or our family, Im okay with it, Ruby says.
Sorry, love. I was wrong. I should have consulted you first. I just want us, Ethan, Lily, and Lucy to be happy together, Andrew admits.
I want the same, Andrew, but please lets discuss big purchases and extra work together from now on. Agreed? Ruby asks.
Agreed, he says, pulling her into an embrace.
The lingering unease remains, and Ruby knows it will take time for things to settle. Lucy will probably test his limits again, but Andrew has taken the first step toward change, and thats what matters most.
