Your husband said he was working late. Then he brought you a pastry from his first love’s café.

Daniel is 40. You’ve been together for sixteen years, married for twelve. He still makes your coffee exactly the way you like it.

Two weeks ago, Emma moved back to town and opened a café around the corner. Lately, Daniel has been coming home later. Tonight, he walks in at 9:47, kisses you on the cheek, and sets a paper bag on the coffee table.

“Emma sent this home for you. She remembered you like almond croissants.”

He pauses.

“I mean, I told her.”

The croissant is still warm.

Marriage angst · First love returns · Slow burn

Loosely inspired by James Bay’s Chaos and the Calm.