A mature man has a childish woman

This is an undeniable fact — you’ve always been this way around him,

even though you’re a grown woman in your early twenties.

Not an exaggeration, but a truth carved in silence.

You — poised among strangers, measured when needed — but before him, you let your guard slip. You let your inner child flicker in your eyes.

Even the way you act all pampered with him — it confuses him, softens him, and yet, he allows it.

He doesn’t laugh much. He doesn’t speak without purpose. Sometimes, he feels more like a father than a husband.

He’s a man burdened with responsibilities — paperwork, phone calls, unending demands.

And when his mother returns, scolding in a hushed whisper — “You’re spoiling her,” “She’s irresponsible,” “She’s too childish” —

he simply says, “Fine, Mom.”

He married you when he was in his mid-thirties after his mother insisted that he not waste his time, and now his mother is complaining about his taste in choosing a bride.

But does he care? No.

Does he try to change you? No.

Does he see your mischief as a threat to him?

Never.

---

Currently..evening..8 pm

It was his day off.

He was sitting on the couch with you, his glasses on the bridge of his nose, holding your soft hand against his, carefully applying nail polish to your long nails, listening to you, humming or sometimes raising his eyebrows as you chattered on.