Sue: Argument/Clash

“You promised me you would be home by eight this evening, so that for once, we could sit down for a proper meal together. I finished work early, shopped, and cooked your favourite meal. You’ve finally waltzed in, two hours late, and all you care about is pouring yourself a drink. ” Sara’s voice was matched by her stance, aggressive with a slight tinge of martyr.

Mike sighed. “I’m sorry darling, I got caught up in a late meeting. I did actually make my apologies and leave before the others to rush for the train but for once it was on time and I missed it by a minute. It’s not too late for dinner, we can still eat together.”

His pleading voice seemed to have no effect upon Sara, who launched into a diatribe of his faults. As she cited the number of times he had put work before her, he realised he was on the back foot and tried another tack. “ You’ve hardly been here for me of recent times, I can’t run my timetable to fit with your erratic work schedule.” For an instant, it worked. Sara looked deflated and slightly contrite, she paused; then gave him a strange look before returning to her tirade. “ You promised to support me, we knew that when I went back to work, I would have to give it my all to get back up the ladder.  You promised to do your bit around the house, that we’d take it in turns to shop and cook, and that we would both try to make time for each other. You never cook, I can’t remember the last time you did any housework and I always come last on your busy agenda. You said you would be back by eight and once again you have let me down. The dinner is ruined and it’s all your fault”.

Mike was unsure of his next move. He was torn between guilt, a wish to counter her list with one of his own and the need to restore some degree of harmony between them. Perhaps he could cite the number of times she had changed arrangements at the last minute, neglected him and put her own work first ..

Subtext – Sara and Mike are both having extra-marital affairs but do not suspect each other, as they are too busy trying to cover their own tracks.