David Cummings

Let it not be said that I wasn't a woman of my word.

For the next few weeks, I turned a blind eye to the strange behaviors of my husband.

My comments to him were limited to my occasional O's during his after-work conversations and a few passing remarks.

At first, I believed he enjoyed his freedom from my watchful gaze.

His slender shoulders were more relaxed than usual.

and he moved about the house in an oddly leisurely manner, as though he had somehow been released from my control.

After a while, though, he grew restless.

I found him staring at me whenever I entered the room, his eyes wide with anticipation.

I wondered if Howard wanted me to break my promise.

Maybe he missed the attention of my gaze now that it was gone.

I enjoyed this idea immensely.

However, as the days continued to pass, I was disappointed to find that his anticipation dwindled.

He behaved as though all was well, and that nothing was out of the ordinary.

I loathed the idea that he didn't need me to guide him.

Even more so, I dreaded the idea that this was the truth.

I maintained my composure.

The last thing I wanted was for Howard to see a crack in my resolve.

Then I would be weak.

Weak like him.

I knew that I would have to be subtle when I monitored him.