As soon as I returned from my business trip, I opened my
bag, took out the three packages that were on top, laid them carefully on the
bed and shouted to my wife and daughter to come over to examine the loot. If
you’ve ever had the chance to observe the way a lioness, after capturing a
wildebeest at the end of a long and arduous chase, calls her family over to
enjoy the spoils with her, you will get the idea of how I was feeling. I too
had captured these articles after a long and arduous chase. The gift coupons I
had received from Singapore Airlines to purchase items from their inflight shop
were due to expire in a few days and I had forgotten to buy anything on my last
two trips. If I had let the opportunity slip by again on this trip, the coupons
would have to be squandered. Nothing is as heart-wrenching as forfeiting a freebie,
but I had not let that happen. Like the lioness, it was only natural that I
should feel triumphant.
“What is this?” my wife asked in a manner that reduced my
triumphant mood by 73%. She was holding the elegant watch I had purchased for
myself by the tip of its strap as if it were an unsightly worm.
“It’s a beautiful watch,” I said coldly, “It includes a
chronograph and, when you change time-zones…”
“Ok, ok, whatever,” she said. “It’s ghastly but if you’re
going to wear it, no one will notice.” I was confused about whether to feel insulted
that she found the watch ghastly or flattered that she felt I could still carry
it off with my personality.
“It’ll go with the rest of your appearance,” she continued,
making my choice clear.
“You don’t know a thing about men’s watches, woman,” I said,
“So please focus your attention on what I bought for you.” I handed her a box.
