Chapter 37

Role

Kia

Although being Ares’ wife was nice, I was oblivious to the true meaning of marriage outside of our shared love and commitment. I had such bad feelings. What were our roles? What exactly does “being a wife” logically mean? Then it hit me: being a wife can be anything I want it to be.

Something about the institution’s conventions was giving me trouble, but I knew Ares and I would decide on our marriage as we went through life together. Are we going to open a joint checking account? purchase a home? adopt an infant? But our relationship has only lasted two years. It’s too late now; four months have gone by.

This night, over chicken adobo, I paused from eating, put my spoon and fork down, and looked at him across the table.

“You know, this is absolutely lovely, but you don’t have to do this every time,” I said. “It’s not something I’d ever expect. I can always heat up a frozen pizza or cook for us too.”

“What do you mean?” he asked curiously.