Keys click. Deserted welcome. 

Scalding tears and suds purge her dutiful whereabouts. Beloved mom. Finite, fading. 

Just like his understanding?

Last week's soiree haunts the steam-curled solitude: carefree flirtations, a predator's perfume...amuse-bouches for a life-starved husband.

Her eyes burn with soap and premonitions of rented release. Sylphlike fingers surround stiffened neglect, guide its escape from guilt. Engulfed, meteoric forgetfulness floods surrogate warmth, new affections deepening with each thrust--

Exhausted but presentable, she wanders downstairs. Supper won't wait.

Her breath catches. Fresh flowers, savory aromas. His heart-skipping smile.

Shame and relief anoint his shoulder. 

"I've got dinner from now on."