Enough

He had been sitting at his desk all afternoon. Regardless of the fact that it was a beautiful sunny Saturday he pored over the papers in front of him, fiscally focused.

She had been looking forward to the weekend; an opportunity to reconnect with him after a long stressful week. He had relied on her to follow his instructions and allow him to get on with his work unheeded but unwittingly she had done the wrong thing and felt the sting of his disapproving words.

She kept herself busy in all other areas of their home except, of course, the one he was in. She cleaned the bathroom until it shined, and made the house look pretty and neat. She baked. And, on a tray she placed a cup of hot coffee and a piece of the flourless orange cake he could never resist.

She quietly and hesitantly opened the study door, fearing that she might be denied entry with his growl to not disturb. But, he said nothing as she walked towards his desk and placed the tray to one side.

She stood there in silence and after several seconds he gestured to her to come around to stand beside him as he sat. She did so and he brought his hand out to quietly tap her bottom twice.

"Good girl. Leave the old man to work now."

She moved away and left the room; closed the door as quietly as she had opened it.

It was very little but enough. She returned to her tasks feeling lighter and loved.