ADVERTISEMENT
“I… I can’t do it,” he groaned, putting his head back after throwing the hollow fruit away. “I give up!”
We were silent for only a second and then Lily stood in all her pregnant glory and looked down at her husband.
Mark’s gaze met hers, and his eyes started watering. “Lily,” he croaked, defeated and exhausted. “I… I’m so sorry. I had no clue. I never realized how much you do every single day.”
Lily broke out into tears, but they weren’t tears of sadness. They shimmered with relief, hope, and the promise of a brighter future.
She gently cupped her husband’s cheek.
“It’s okay,” she whispered, soothingly. “I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. But I’m glad you finally understand.”
That night, I helped Lily clean up the watermelon wreckage and made dinner while witnessing the change that swept through the house.
For the first time since I’d arrived, Mark actually helped with the chores. He tackled the dishes, folded laundry, and even managed to assemble the baby’s crib without too much cursing (a minor miracle, in my book).
The transformation was instant and it was definitely welcomed. Mark became Lily’s devoted helper and could anticipate her needs before she even uttered a word.
He cooked, cleaned, massaged her swollen feet, and even repainted the nursery a calming pastel blue, covering up his earlier attempt.
When Lily’s contractions started a few days later, Mark was a pillar of support. He held her hand, offering words of comfort, and even shed a few tears of his own when their beautiful baby girl entered the world.
Watching him cradle his daughter, his face beaming with love, I knew my watermelon experiment had worked.
The old Mark was gone and replaced by a man who cherished his wife and child above all else.
As I prepared to leave, Lily wrapped me in a bone-crushing hug. “Thank you,” she breathed into my ear. “You saved our marriage and gave our daughter a father who will love and cherish her always.”
I hugged her back, warmth flooding my heart. I knew people weren’t perfect, and I hoped Mark would keep this attitude forever.
But if not, I would be back to give him another lesson; perhaps, with another fruit.
ADVERTISEMENT
