As Katya Settled the Bill, Sergei Drifted Away. Just as She Began Arranging Her Groceries, He Slipped Out. Upon Leaving the Shop, Katya Spotted Sergei Having a Smoke.

While Emily was paying at the till, Simon wandered off. By the time shed started packing the shopping bags, hed already slipped out of the shop entirely. Stepping outside, Emily found Simon leaning against the wall, puffing on a cigarette like he hadnt a care in the world.

Simon, grab the bags, will you? Emily said, holding out two heavily laden shopping bags.

Simon looked at her as if shed just asked him to rob a bank. What about you? he shot back, baffled.

Emily blinked. What on earth did he mean, *what about you*? Since when did a woman hauling groceries while her husband strolled empty-handed seem remotely fair?

Theyre heavy, she pointed out.
So? Simon dug in his heels, scowling.

He could tell she was getting cross, but on principle, he refused to lift a finger. Quickening his pace, he strode ahead, knowing she wouldnt catch up. *Carry the bags? What am I, a pack mule? Im the manI decide what I do! Let her manage; it wont kill her,* he thought smugly. Today, he was in the mood to put her in her place.

Simon, where are you going? Take the bags! Emily called, her voice wobbling.

The bags *were* heavySimon knew that perfectly well, since hed been the one piling the trolley high. The flat wasnt farjust a five-minute walkbut with arms full of groceries, it felt like a marathon.

Emily trudged home, fighting back tears. She half-expected Simon to turn around, laughing it off as a joke, but nohe just got farther ahead. Part of her wanted to dump the lot in the street, but on autopilot, she kept going. Reaching their building, she collapsed onto the bench by the entrance, exhausted. She wanted to screamor crybut crying in public was mortifying. Swallowing her pride, though? No. He hadnt just annoyed her; hed humiliated her on purpose. And this from a man whod once bent over backwards to impress her.

Hello, love! A familiar voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
Ohhi, Mrs. Wilkins, Emily forced a smile.

Mrs. WilkinsMartha, to her friendslived one floor down and had been like family ever since Emilys gran passed. With her mum up in Manchester with her new husband and kids, and her dad long out of the picture, Mrs. Wilkins was the only steady presence in her life.

Without a second thought, Emily decided to offload the shopping on her. At least it wouldnt go to waste. The pension didnt stretch far, and Emily loved spoiling her with little treats.

Come on, Mrs. Wilkins, let me help you upstairs, Emily said, hefting the bags again.

In the old womans kitchen, she unloaded tinned salmon, pâté, peaches in syrupall the luxuries Mrs. Wilkins adored but couldnt afford. The older woman teared up, making Emily feel guilty for not doing this more often. They said goodbye with a peck on the cheek, and Emily headed up to the flat.

Inside, Simon was rooting through the fridge, chewing on something.

Wheres the shopping? he asked, as if nothing had happened.
What shopping? Emily replied, sweet as pie. The one you helped me carry?
Oh, come off it, dont be daft! He tried to laugh it off. Youre not seriously still upset?
Nope, she said calmly. Just drawing conclusions.

Simon tensed. Hed expected shouts, slammed doors, maybe tears. This icy composure threw him.

What conclusions?
I dont have a husband, she sighed. Thought Id married one, but turns out I married a twit.
Thats a bit harsh, he huffed, playing the victim.
Is it? She met his eyes squarely. I wanted a *man* for a husband. Seems you wanted a *bloke* for a wife. Pause. So what you *really* need is a husband.

Simons face flushed crimson, fists clenching. But Emily didnt seeshe was already in the bedroom, tossing his clothes into a suitcase.

He fought to the bitter end. The thought of moving out was unthinkable. How could something so petty wreck a marriage?
This is mad! Whats the big deal about carrying a few bags? he protested as she flung his jeans into the case.
Hope you can carry *this* bag on your own, Emily said, tuning him out.

She knew this was just the first warning. If she let this slide, the disrespect would only grow. So she ended it there and thenshutting the door firmly behind him.