Bob put his knife and fork down on his plate and looked across the table to his wife, "spectacular food, as always, emily!"
Emily blushed and stood up, starting to collect the plates. Bob spoke again. "Kids, i have exciting news! we're not having christmas here this year, we're going to fred's!"
It was silent. emily stopped and stared at Bob.
"Kids, go play, your father and i need to talk"
Bob chuckled nervously as the children left the room, "whats wrong darling?"
"what do you mean whats wrong? you're going to tell me ive been running around all day, getting things ready for nothing?! I cant believe you Robert Cratchit!"
Bob stood up and reached out towars his wife, "im sorry emily, but fred asked me out on the street, i didnt have time to ask you!"
"thats no excuse! they dont live far away, you could have just gone out and told them we'd be there."
"Don't you want to see clara?"
"Of course i do, but thats not the point! i want you to ask my opinion before making important decisions, thats all," Both of their voices had raised significantly.
"Well, im the man and im in charge, so therefore, i make the decisions and you cant control me!"
silence. emily broke eye contact and brought her pale hand to her cheek. Bob's eyes unblurred and his mind cleared. He looked down at his stinging hand and saw it was turning red. He gasped as he realised what he had done. Bob moved closer to emily, to comfort her, but she flinched away. her eyes filled with tears, "I cant wait to go to freds" Her voice was quiet, and it was clear she was hurt. Bob just stared at her as she walked out the room and disappeared upstairs. He looked around their compact home for anything to distract him, when he saw the bottle of champagne they'd been saving for Christmas on the counter. He grabbed the bottle and collapsed into a chair, not even bothering to get a glass. He popped the cork and took a swig from the bottle. He felt nothing but guilt for hours, but at least he was going to freds for Christmas, and he couldnt wait.
