My wife is away for a few days at her parent’s place. As she is the only child, and her folks are quite elderly, she likes to go there a couple of times a year and do all the big jobs they can’t manage. This is typical of her. I married an awesome lady.

I’ve run into a few mates around and about and they’ve asked after her, naturally. When I’ve told them where she is, their reactions have me a little puzzled. Their comments have been along the lines of ‘oh, yeah, so while the cat’s away, right, right…’ followed by knowing nods and winks.

I know what they’re saying. I also know what they’re implying. But I still don’t understand it. Are we men so shallow that as soon as our wives are out of sight, we’re scratching our bums in public and drinking out of the milk carton? Are we so under-her-thumb that as soon as she is away, we spend most of the time unshaven and in a drunken stupor.

I’m not thinking about getting drunk or doing anything I wouldn’t normally do. I’m not thinking about calling up ex-girlfriends or ordering pizza every night she is away. I am not a mouse looking for fun.

I am mostly thinking about her.

I miss her heaps. I miss the silence we love to share, the chatter about our days, updates on friends, family, the garden or whatever else is happening. I miss her warmth in bed and her smile when she sees me for the first time at the end of the day. I miss her hugs and kisses. I miss her.

So, what do I say to my friends, the ones with the sly comments and knowing nods. I smile and wink and nod back at them. They don’t need to know the truth. They probably wouldn’t understand anyway.