Meredith found her son Edward’s phone last week while cleaning the living room, and she noticed an enigmatic message on it that said, “Are we still on for tonight?” Curiosity gave way to fear, and she discovered a secret that brought her to tears. Her heart fell.
While I was cleaning the living room last week, I discovered a pleasant surprise. I was fluffing the pillows on the couch when I saw Edward’s phone trapped in between them. I took it up, intending to leave it for him.
The phone began to vibrate in my hand as I was holding it. “Are we still on for tonight?” appeared on the screen. A beat skipped in my heart. Edward didn’t recognize this number, and he is married.
I felt a mixture of uncertainty and fear as I glanced at the phone out of sheer curiosity. What might this signify? Why would this communication be sent to him? A second message appeared as I was ready to put the phone down: “Can’t wait to see you again, love.”
My heart fell. It devastated me to consider that my son might be unfaithful. I was full of doubts. Was there something my son was concealing? I have to be aware of the reality.
I’ve been feeling uncomfortable in my own family lately. My son Edward was constantly busy and went out more. Every time he left the home, I experienced a twinge of isolation. There was space between us now, whereas before he shared everything with me.
Robert, my spouse, also appeared to be more aloof. He was lost in his own pursuits for a considerable amount of time. Our talks had gotten a little too quick and shallow. We used to be really close, exchanging ideas and dreams. We were living together as if we were just a couple now.
I long for the times when we were all so closely knit. Edward used to confide in me about his school, his friends, and his dreams when he was younger.
Together, Robert and I would make plans for the future and look forward to our experiences. However, it appeared that I was no longer a part of their worlds and that they each had their own.
It was a heavy sense of solitude. In my own house, I felt alienated. I missed our intimacy from before. I was overcome with fear of losing the individuals I cared about the most. All I wanted was to rekindle my connection with them and become involved in their life rather than an observer.
I choose to hold off on drawing conclusions. I required additional details. Edward said he was leaving the following evening. I felt nervous, but he appeared at ease. My head was full of inquiries.
“Where are you going?” Trying to sound casual, I asked.
“Just out for a little while, Mom,” he grinned in response.
Taking my keys, I watched him go. I needed to know the reality. I kept a safe distance behind him and followed him surreptitiously. My chest throbbed with my heartbeat. Concern and anxiety whirled about in my head.
How would I know if he saw me? What would happen if I learned something I didn’t want to? With every step he took, my fear grew. My hands were sweating as I held tight to the steering wheel. I had trouble breathing steadily and the drive seemed to go on forever.
At last, Edward parked his vehicle in front of a quaint small café. Stepping outside, he seemed to be anticipating someone. I stood back and watched, my tummy turning over. As soon as he entered, I moved to a location where I could view without drawing attention to myself.
I waited for what seemed like hours—minutes. My mind was buzzing with ideas. Was he having a meeting with someone? Was that something serious? I had to tell myself not to panic and to maintain my composure.
Then I caught sight of her. My closest friend Linda entered and gave Edward a bear embrace. Like old friends, they laughed and spoke as they sat down together. I felt a sense of relief come over me, but I was instantly confused again. Together, what were they doing?
I hid and observed everything they did. They appeared so at ease and acquainted. It was nonsensical. The code, the covertness—what was happening? I was afraid to ask for the answers I needed. Rather than making a scene, I remained in my hiding place and hoped to piece together the truth.
My pulse raced as I got ready to face Edward and Linda. I inhaled deeply and made my way in their direction. But then I noticed my husband Robert, who I knew well. He entered the café and sat down with them.
My perplexity increased. Robert was there, but why? What was happening? From where I was hiding, I observed as they all gave each other cordial greetings. There was joy and enthusiasm on their faces.
Staying undercover, I tried to figure everything out. They started speaking excitedly, and I could see it in their body language. They took out some pamphlets and got down to some serious talking. Their comments were inaudible to me, but I could tell they were excited.
Edward nodded enthusiastically as Linda showed him a pamphlet. After Robert gestured to something on the pamphlet, everyone leaned in to have a closer look.
It appeared as though they were organizing a significant event. As I observed them, my uneasiness began to fade, but my perplexity persisted. What might they be up to that would include them all?
My mind was buzzing with ideas. Were they organizing a trip as a family? A party that surprises everyone? Unable to piece it together, I chose to hold off on disclosing my identity for a little while longer. I had to first figure out what was going on.
I was curious about what they were planned, but I was also relieved that it wasn’t what I had dreaded as I observed them. I remained silent and kept my heart rate constant as I waited for the ideal opportunity to enter the dialogue.
As I approached their table, my heart was racing. The first person to see me was Edward.
“Mom!” he cried out, his eyes becoming wide with shock. “What are you doing here?”
Robert and Linda turned to face me, both shocked. I inhaled deeply, attempting to calm my anxiety.
With a shaky voice, I responded, “I could ask you the same thing.” “What’s going on here?”
Linda got up fast. “Meredith, we were just about to call you!”
Edward gave a nod. “I apologize to Mom for the concealment. We have been preparing a unique event.”
Linda gave me a kind grin. “For you and Robert, we’ve been planning a surprise retirement cruise. Before telling you, we wanted everything to be ideal.”
I looked at them, trying to take in what they had said. “A journey? For us?
Robert wrapped me in his arm. “Yes, my dear. They have been putting a lot of effort into making sure everything is perfect. We wanted to wait to raise your hopes until everything was finalized.”
My eyes filled with tears as the reality dawned on me. “I thought… I thought something else was going on,” I said, a little ashamed of myself.
Edward extended his hand to grab my hand. “Mom, I really apologize. We ought to have informed you earlier.”
Linda gave a nod. We intended to calm you down. All we wanted was for it to be an amazing surprise.”
Feeling a flood of relief and thankfulness, I wiped my eyes and grinned. “I’m grateful,” I muttered. “This means so much to me.”
As soon as we sat down, they began to discuss the specifics of the cruise. My early feelings of anxiety and perplexity vanished as we conversed, to be replaced with enthusiasm for the adventure to come.
Robert and I boarded the cruise ship a few weeks later. It was refreshing to feel the sea breeze. I was filled with excitement.
“Isn’t this beautiful?” Robert smiled at me and asked.
“Yes, it is,” I squeezed his hand back in response.
We marveled at the ship’s luxury as we examined it. The pool was inviting, the dining hall tasteful. We located our pleasant and cozy cabin.
“This is ideal,” I exclaimed as I opened my suitcase.
Robert gave a nod. Glad we took this action. We required a vacation.”
There were new adventures every day. We lounged on the terrace, tried some new meals, and enjoyed the entertainment.
Robert turned to face me one evening as we watched the sun set. “We appreciate your patience with us. We intended to make this unique.”
My eyes welled with tears. “I appreciate this amazing present from you. It has immense significance.”
Our relationship grew closer as the ship continued to cruise. We were getting back in touch and enjoying one other’s company once more. This cruise represented a fresh start rather than merely a holiday.