“Oh hi,” Jack says, as he enters, duffle bag swinging from his arm “didn’t know you’d be here, with Scottie’s soccer practice and all”

“Scottie doesn’t have soccer practice on Wednesdays.” She says looking up from drying dishes.

“That’s right, how could I have forgotten?”

“How’s your eye?” She says knowingly, wiping the last plate.

“I tell you Hon, if it wasn’t for the rush it gives me,” setting the bag down “I wouldn’t even bother. They were tough on me at the dojo tonight.”

“Master Vargas is very demanding,” She says, hanging the dish towel “you’re just training for next week’s demonstration.” moving towards the foyer.

He looks down at the stack of mail, “Is that the mail? I’ve been expecting something.” Eyes darting over each postal code.

“Hon. The office called twice today, they were wondering where you were for over two hours this afternoon”

He flinches, as if punched, mouth almost grinning, then returning to a scowl.

“This afternoon…. I….” He says fondling his bruised jaw, “Had an appointment with Tony.” Nostrils breathing downward, “Secretary must’ve forgot”.

“They say it’s been happening more and more lately” she says, noticing the cut on his neck, as a drop of blood falls on the mail.

“New Secretary...I need to have a talk with her” he says, trailing off in a mumble.

“Jack,” she says “Do you really think..?” Her eyes widen with knowledge.

He responds with shrugged shoulders. “Wha…?” Grabbing a tissue and wiping blood off of the mail.

“How much do you pay her Jack?” she says, hands on hips, eyes right on him.

A tear forms, sliding down his face. He wipes it with his sleeve, revealing a bruise. To catch the mail as it slips out of his hands, he lunges forward, giving her a direct view of the large welt on his head. He sees her eyes move over the welt as his mouth manages a response.

“I need….” He says, scanning the ceiling for an answer.

“Help?” She says with neck cocked back.

“I called the Dojo, you haven’t been in weeks.” She leans on the spine of the couch, arms folded.

Jack opens his mouth. He looks out the window at the lights across the street. He sees the shadow of his neighbor home from work in the window, hugging his wife. He tries words but only skeletons come out. “I..” “Wa….”

She looks over on the couch and reaches for the magazine. She holds it in front of her chest. “Is this where you find happiness?”