Failed the Inspection

Listen, its a bit awkward to admit, Daniel smiled sheepishly, tapping his fingers on the table. I left my wallet at home, all the cards are in there. Could you pay for us? Im really sorry, its a bother.

Emily held back a surprised sigh, reached for her handbag, and pulled out a few notes. Seventy pounds for dinner for two wasnt the most thrilling expense, but it wasnt catastrophic either. Shed been earning enough for a while now to not flinch at sums like that.

Sure, no problem, she said.

The waiter brought a card terminal, and Emily slid her card in. The screen flashed green, confirming the payment. Daniel nodded gratefully and helped her to her feet, holding onto her elbow.

A chilly wind bit through the streets outside, making Emily pull her scarf tighter. Daniel walked beside her in silence, lost in thought. He stopped under a streetlamp and turned to her.

Actually, theres something I need to come clean about, he began, a strange note in his voice. The wallets actually with me. So are the cards.

Emily froze. A cold shiver slithered up her legs.

What do you mean?

It was a test, Daniel said, pulling a sleek black leather wallet from his jacket pocket and twirling it. I wanted to make sure you were seeing me for who I am, not for my money. Got it? Now I know youre not mercenary or dependent.

Emily exhaled slowly. A tight knot formed in her chest, a laugh caught somewhere between her throat and ribs. She forced a smile, trying to relax her face.

Glad I passed your little test, she murmured as softly as she could.

Daniel let out a relieved chuckle and gave her a friendly shoulder squeeze. Emily pressed against him, hiding her face so he wouldnt see the tension in her jaw. Inside, everything was upside down humiliating, petty. She was an adult woman, yet he was treating her like a schoolgirl.

The weeks rolled on in their usual rhythm. Then Daniel popped the question. Everything was romantic and pictureperfect, and Emily said yes.

Wedding plans kicked off almost immediately. Emily bought a creamcoloured dress with lace sleeves from a boutique. They booked a venue for forty guests and mailed out invitations.

Daniels mother, Margaret, visited every weekend, fawning over her son as if she were hawking a market stall.

Davids such a responsible lad, she chirped, pouring tea into delicate, almost translucent cups. Always helpful, never forgets his mum. Emily, you should be thrilled David chose you.

Emily nodded and smiled, though Margarets words slid past her without sticking. She learned to tune out the motherinlaws monologues.

Two weeks before the wedding, Daniel suggested Emily move in with him. A brandnew flat on the fifteenth floor of a riverside development, complete with panoramic windows overlooking the Thames. Emily agreed, though a quiet part of her balked at the idea. She started boxing up her things, cartons crowding her modest onebedroom flat.

On moving day, Emily lugged a box of decorative pillows and photo frames up the stairs. Daniel met her at the landing, helping her haul the load to the lift.

The new flat smelled of fresh paint and new furniture. Emily set the box down in the hallway, straightening up and rubbing her sore lower back.

Daniel took her hand, leading her onward.

Come on the balcony. Ill show you the view.

They stepped onto a narrow balcony. The wind tossed Emilys hair, and the bright sun made her squint. Below, the river glittered, reflecting the sky. The city stretched out to the horizon.

Hand me your phone, Daniel said. I want a photo of you with this backdrop.

Emily fished her black smartphone out of her jeans pocket and handed it over. Daniel glanced at the screen, then, without warning, spun around and tossed the phone over the rail.

Emily froze. Time seemed to halt as she stared down at the tiny speck disappearing into the bushes by the entrance. A wave of icy calm washed over her.

What now, love? Daniel grinned, crossing his arms.

Emily shifted her gaze from the ground back to him, her composure detached, almost clinical.

You need to go down and fetch me a SIM card, she said evenly, as if discussing the weather.

Daniel burst out laughing, pulling the phone from his pocket and waving it like a magicians wand.

Surprise! he exclaimed, enjoying the moment. I see you dont mind. Here you go. My old phone decided to take flight, so I wanted to see how youd react.

Emily took her phone, noted a scratch on the screen protector, and ran a finger across it. Irritation grew inside her, dark and heavy, filling the space. She looked up at Daniel.

Im not a piece of kitchenware for you to test, she said quietly.

Daniels laughter died. His face stretched, eyebrows shooting upward.

Come off it, he tried to placate. Just a joke. Dont be mad. I love you.

Emily slipped a gold ring with a tiny diamond off her finger and placed it in his palm.

What are you doing? Daniel recoiled, as if shed handed him a snake.

Returning it, Emily said, laying the ring on his hand. These little experiments chip away at my selfrespect. Im not marrying someone so infantile and petty.

Emily, are you serious? Over a prank? he protested, his voice tinged with annoyance.

She turned and walked back into the flat. The boxes were still stacked untouched in the hallway, a silent reminder of what she hadnt even unpacked yet. She grabbed her car keys, snatched her bag and the single box, and headed for the door.

Emily! Wait! Daniel chased after her down the corridor. Lets talk about this!

Nothing to discuss, she called over her shoulder. But I can explain it in your own language. You, David, didnt pass the test.

She loaded the box back into the car, slid into the drivers seat, and started the engine. Daniel stood at the entrance, watching her disappear, bewildered. Emily drove home.

The house smelled familiar coffee, old books, a hint of lavender from a diffuser. She slipped off her shoes, padded to the kitchen, and set the kettle on. Her phone buzzed. It was Daniel. She declined the call. A minute later, a text arrived: Im sorry, I hurt you. Lets meet and talk.

She deleted it, then another, then another, finally blocking the number and silencing notifications.

The next days saw Daniel calling from unfamiliar numbers, messaging via social media, begging mutual friends to tell her he was contrite and truly sorry.

Emily ignored everything. She didnt care about the wedding expenses, the booked venue, the invitations already mailed. What mattered was that she wouldnt degrade herself for anyones sense of superiority.

Her cream dress hung in the wardrobe, wrapped in a protective bag. She pulled it out, smoothed the lace sleeves. Her niece, Katie, had recently asked for help picking a prom outfit. This dress would look better on her than on a bride who would never walk down an aisle.

Emily settled on the sofa, hugging her knees, and stared out the window. The sky darkened, lit by the last rays of sunset. The city buzzed below, alive and indifferent to personal dramas. Somewhere, Daniel was probably perched in his new flat, wondering why shed cut him off so abruptly, not grasping that such tests were demeaning. Love and trust arent measured by experiments.

Her phone buzzed again. Unknown number. She didnt answer. She turned on some music, tucked herself under a blanket, and closed her eyes. Calm settled in, a light emptiness, like a heavy backpack finally set down after a long trek.

Two days later Katie burst in, shrieking with excitement at the sight of the dress.

Is it really for me? she asked, pressing the lace to her chest and twirling before the mirror.

Definitely, Emily replied, watching the sparkle in her nieces eyes.

Will you need it anymore?

Nope. Ive got other plans.

Katie hugged her, the scent of floral shampoo and youth filling the room. Emily returned the hug, running her hand along her nieces back. At least the dress wouldnt go to waste. At least shed stopped in time. At least there was no lingering regret, just a gentle melancholy for time spent and hopes misplaced.

But that chapter was closed. She was free, and that mattered far more than any test the world could conjure.