The next day, when Jesus came back, I was busy organizing the closet. He sat on the edge of the bed, watching me for a while. When I didn’t turn to look at him, he chuckled lightly.
“What’s going on? Suddenly, you have the energy for chores and aren’t complaining about your stomach hurting?”
I kept my back to him, focused on my task. He likely thought I was pouting again. With a touch of flair, he pulled out a small food container.
“Look, some spiced honey cake from Derun’s. Didn’t you always say it was amazing but too expensive? Well, I got you some!”
He opened the lid and tried to offer me a piece. The cake had clearly changed color, indicating it had been in the fridge for a couple of days, and a slice was missing. Jesus motioned for me to open my mouth. “Come on, give it a try. Spiced honey cake is great for calming nerves!”
I was about to mention I didn’t want someone else’s leftovers, but then realized how pointless that would be.
“No thanks, I’m not in the mood for sweets. Just leave it in the kitchen.”
Seeing that I didn’t appreciate his gesture, his face immediately darkened.
“Cali, you know Lina had a fever and wanted spiced honey cake. You pretended to have a stomachache to stop me from going. I was really upset, but Lina said not to be mad at you. I’ve forgiven you and even brought you some cake. So, what’s with the attitude now?”
I turned around and looked at him calmly. “Jesus, I’m not sulking or trying to make a scene. I just don’t want anything sweet right now.”
He muttered something about me being unreasonable, and then his phone rang. The screen showed a local number.
Since it was an unknown number, he answered it right in front of me. “Same-city delivery? Who’s it from?”
A few seconds later, he glanced at me, a smile playing on his lips. “I’m not at the office right now. Could you leave it at the front desk? I’ll pick it up when I get there.”
After hanging up, he gave me a significant look, a hint of smugness in his voice. “We’ve been married so long; why the surprises? You could’ve just given me the gift in person instead of sending it to my office.”
A sharp pang hit my heart. The surprise gift…
I clenched my fists tight, holding back tears. I forced a smile in return. “I hope you like it.”
