A tale of Love & Chicken

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Tade had been acting strangely all day, even his closest colleagues in the office noticed the change. His normally ebullient demeanor was replaced by a sullen distracted one, he was also snapping at coworkers and working without enthusiasm, so it wasn't difficult to guess that something was wrong; however, they didn't know what it was. 

“The boys are hanging out tonight at the lounge, are you coming?” John, one of his colleagues, asked from the door. Even though he had been the bravest among them to approach Tade in his mood, he would rather not push his luck by overstepping, so he did it from a distance.

Tade, in his sullen mood, hesitated. He was torn between going home to his wife immediately or heading out to clear his head first. Finally, he went for the latter, hoping that a change of scenery might do him some good.

For a few hours, the guys at the lounge were able to lift Tade's spirits. They cracked jokes, laughed and even shared their work experience with each other. Soon, it was time to go home and Tade was back in his feelings.

He worried about what awaited him at home. Would his wife have forgiven him for forgetting to pick up the kids the day before? Or would he be met with a cold shoulder? He could only hope for the best.

In a pensive mood, he made his way home, deliberately driving slower than usual, he felt like he was delaying the inevitable. While driving, his eyes caught a light ahead, but when he came closer, he drove past without giving it much thought. But not without seeing the bold inscription 'Delicious Chicken'.

A crazy thought crept into his head: perhaps getting some chicken for the kids would make them happy, and his wife would forgive him too. So he made a U-turn, and turned back toward the light. Something nagged at him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe it was the right thing to do.

On second thought, he got a piece for his wife, even though he was not convinced that she'd talk to him.

The drive home was lonely; the silence in the car was deafening, Ronke hadn't called to check in like she usually did, which was typical of her anytime they had a fight. He tried to convince himself that Ronke would be glad to see him and that everything would be okay. But when he turned into the estate and saw their house up ahead, his stomach clenched. He parked the car and took a deep breath, he was about to face the music.

Ronke had been nice enough to open the door after his second knock, it almost felt as if she was expecting him. Seeing her, Tade swallowed hard. He was lost for words, so he just stood at the door, chicken in hand.

“You got chicken?” Ronke asked as soon as her eyes caught the package in his hands. Her face lit up, she was almost screaming in delight.

For a moment, Tade was too stunned to speak. He had been sure that he'd be met with anger and harsh words, not this kind of welcome. He saw the 5-year-old girl in Ronke, the one that had never ceased to amuse him with her jolliness and playful stunts.

Caught between relief and confusion, he stared. But, as Ronke's expectant expression turned to concern, he knew he had to say something. Finally, he found his voice.

“Yes… I got chicken” Tade said hesitantly. He held back from telling her that he had thought about their kids when he got it.

“Thank you” Ronke said again, smiling so hard this time. She threw her arms around him, drawing him into her sweet embrace.

Oh! How he missed the smell of her. The fruity scent of coconut mixed with vanilla from her body wash sauntered through his nostrils, tickling every part of him with a sensation he longed for. He liked how she smelled… like home.

As Ronke released him from the hug, Tade felt the weight of the last few hours lift from his shoulders. He tried to read her face, searching for some sign of the anger he had expected. But all he saw was warmth and affection. 

Ronke didn't waste time before biting into the chicken. She had comfortably settled in a chair after their hug and started to tear at them, one after the other. Tade smiled satisfactorily, seeing her like that. Uptight Ronke would have made it to the dining area before digging into her meal, but he loved her like that.

“I was really craving this, but I had no time to make one for myself… the kids were a handful this evening” Ronke said amidst chewing.

He couldn't believe that she wasn't furious with him. Tade found his voice again. “How… how can you be so okay with me, after what happened?” he asked. I thought you would be angry. I thought you might even hate me. But here you are…” His voice trailed off.

“I was angry, but not anymore… I forgive you” Ronke replied.

Tade felt like it was the chicken doing something, so he didn't waste time letting out a full apology. He needed Ronke to remain in her happy state until he got everything off his chest.

“Babe… I apologize for not helping you out yesterday. I know how overwhelming it can be doing these things on your own, and I'm sorry I allowed it” Tade apologized.

“Apology accepted” Ronke replied, giggling like a child.

This wasn't the scenario Tade painted in his head. He had expected plenty of shouting, and sorry, then rivers of tears. Ronke wasn't in her feelings anymore, and that brought him some relief. The night was going better than he thought it would.

“I promise not to ignorantly evade my responsibilities anymore, and to always be a better man for you and our kids…” Tade went on.

Ronke kissed him immediately, preventing him from speaking any further. Tade was flooded with relief; he could feel her love and forgiveness pouring out from the kiss. The stress of the day melted away, leaving him feeling lighter than he had in weeks. 

When she finally broke the kiss, he felt like he was floating. The only thing that brought him back to reality was the taste of her dinner on her lips. It reminded him of something, and he suddenly had an idea. Tomorrow, he would get her the biggest bucket of chicken he could find at the store. 

That night, Tade slept a happy man in the arms of his forever love.

© Lightwriter's archive

November, 2023

Hi👋

If you were wondering what the motive behind this story is, I'm happy to tell you.

Last month, I read a book on relationship titled 'Things I wish I'd known before we got married' by Gary Chapman... 840 pages of goodness.

Some of the things I learned from the book were the act of apology and love languages in a relationship.

It made me reflect on my relationship (because it was what I had to do since I was reading the book with my partner) and wonder what he'd do for me that'll make me instantly melt, and agree to a conversation even if I was still hurt.

Then I realized that he didn't have to do much. For me, it's really the little things; same as any kind hearted, uncomplicated woman out there. Those seemingly basic gestures really go a long way in any relationship, even the ones that don't come as deliberate initially.

This story is just a way of me showing how a little thoughtfulness can go a long way in setting up a comfortable atmosphere for conflict resolution. 

This isn't to say that you bribe your way into forgiveness everytime with a gift; that's abuse of knowledge (because you know your partner's love language and you know what gets them the most and you're using it as a leverage to escape handling matters as you should).

I guess all I'm trying to say is a little here and a little there will help your relationship.

PS: You'll have to continue the difficult conversation sometimes, but it's all good.

I wish you a happy love life❤️

What are the thing(s) your partner does that gets to you all the time; like it's always a hit, no miss🤭

Share your thoughts with me in the comments section, I'll go first.