Shock 1

"I might be home a little late today."

That morning, as Elice was helping Garrett get ready as usual, her husband spoke up. Elice, who was adjusting Garrett's tie, glanced over. Without stopping her gentle tug, she asked.

"Do you have a schedule?"

Garrett nodded. He lifted his head as Elice adjusted his tie. "There's a dinner with some colleagues. I might be home around nine or ten tonight. You don't need to wait up for me. Go to bed early tonight. Don't get too tired."

A smile spread over Elice's face. She was touched by her husband's small gesture of consideration.

"Alright."

Elice made sure for the last time that Garrett's appearance was neat. Her eyes scanned quickly as her hands reflexively smoothed Garrett's chest. When nothing was missing, she breathed a sigh of relief. She felt satisfied.

"Thank you."

Not forgetting to say the words, Garrett sealed the deal with perfection. With a kiss on Elice's forehead.

It was clearly a perfect routine to start the days. Where a series of t