It was 7 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2155. “Thank goodness the day from hell is over”, Clara mumbled to herself.
The past three days had been the most demanding in Clara’s six years with the firm. Today had been the absolute worst. She was totally drained. Clara had worked very hard to achieve her status as CEO and enjoyed the many perks that came with the position. Lately, however, she had begun to question her career choice, especially after days like the one she had just experienced. She asked herself if she would have been happier had she opted for a less arduous position.
Clara was totally exhausted and struggled to stay awake as her self-driving cherry-red Porsche pulled into her home’s garage. Taking heart, she took a moment to collect her thoughts before entering the main house. She reminded herself that she had just one more day until the weekend began, and along with it came her much needed R&R. She planned to revel in every second of every day of the well-deserved time off.
Just as Clara was about to enter the main house, the door swung open and there stood handsome, well-built, Robert, her wonderful partner. He welcomed her with his boyishly charming grin and a peck on her cheek. In his hand was a martini made to her exact specifications. She smiled a hello and thanked him profusely for the drink. She slowly drifted into the living room and wearily flopped down onto the silk damask designer coach. The room’s ambience was warm, welcoming and invited relaxation. The fireplace was lit and the newspaper freshly ironed into crisp folds and awaiting her opening touch, laid on the mahogany coffee table. The mail lay neatly beside the newspaper. Robert was meticulous and his touch was golden. He was an extraordinary helpmate. Robert was such a dear.
After she collapsed onto the coach, Robert gently lifted first one foot, then the other, so that he might remove her shoes, then her stockings, in preparation for Clara’s end-of-the-work-day foot massage. Clara beamed with pleasure between sips of her pre-dinner drink. How she welcomed this nightly ritual! The pampering melted away layers of tension while providing a few moments of bliss. Robert asked how her day had gone and listened attentively as she recounted her challenges. He offered his advice, sympathy and support. He then announced he was preparing her favourite menu. Clara had guessed the meal as her nostrils had filled with its exotic aroma upon her arrival home. The anticipation was such sweet torture, and she had begun to salivate. Robert seemed to know instinctively when she needed extra TLC and never failed to nurture her. He knew her so well and loved to please her in every way. Clara felt so spoiled. Feet done, Robert offered her hors d’oeuvres and another cocktail to enjoy while she revived and waited for the entrée. Every meal he prepared was amazing. When they had company, the guests were always impressed with his formidable culinary skills. Clara was the envy of all her friends. Robert was such a dear.
