Paul woke up with a terrible hangover after his company’s Christmas party. His head was pounding, and he could barely remember how he got home. Beside him sat a glass of water, two aspirin, and a single red rose. His clothes were neatly folded, and the room looked spotless, almost like it came out of a magazine. For a moment, Paul thought he must be the luckiest man in the world.
He walked to the bathroom and nearly jumped when he saw a big black eye in the mirror. But then he noticed a note taped beside it, decorated with hearts and a lipstick kiss. It was from his wife, telling him breakfast was ready and she went to get groceries for his favorite dinner. She ended it with, “I love you, darling.” Paul scratched his head, wondering how a black eye and so much love could happen in the same night.
In the kitchen, he found a hot breakfast waiting, fresh coffee brewing, and the newspaper neatly placed. His son sat quietly at the table, eating cereal like everything was normal. Still confused, Paul sat down and asked his son what happened the night before. His son casually explained that Paul came home after 3 a.m. making noise, tripping over furniture, and bumping into the door. Paul listened in disbelief, embarrassed and confused all over again.
Searching for answers, Paul asked why everything was so clean and why he had a rose and breakfast waiting. His son smiled and said it was simple. When Paul’s wife tried to help him to bed, he waved her hand away. In his messy, tired state, he declared loudly, “Leave me alone, I’m married!” Paul sighed in relief. Sometimes, even a drunk moment of loyalty can save your morning—and maybe your marriage.