January 31st Beloved Wife Day / Beloved Wife Appreciation Day [SS] In My Heart

[What Day Is Today?]- Beloved Wife Day / Beloved Wife Appreciation Day

January 31st has two similar anniversaries established. One is "Beloved Wife Day," established by the Japan Aisaika (Beloved Husband) Association, and the other is an anniversary established by Mr. Hiroki Urakami of Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, who is the leader of an activity called the Beloved Wife Appreciation Promotion Squad. In any case, both contain the intention of cherishing one's wife.

"Beloved Wife Appreciation Day" was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association as a day to express gratitude to one's beloved wife and to spread the appreciation of one's beloved wife to the world.

[SS] In My Heart

There was a sales manager named Kazuki Nakanishi. He is thirty-two years old this year. He is someone who became a manager relatively early in the sales department. Today, news suddenly came in that a subordinate had closed a large deal, and everyone was feeling quite excited. Because of that, it was decided to hold a celebration party with the subordinates in a hurry, and Kazuki called out to one of his subordinates.

"Hey, Kobayashi-san. We're having a celebration party today, so please book our usual place."

"Understood. I like that place. The landlady is very kind and is like a mother to me."

"Oh, is that so? Then I'm counting on you."

However, Kazuki had one thing on his mind. Today is his seventh wedding anniversary. He remembered the exchange with his wife, Manami, when he left in the morning.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Well then, I'm off."

"Dear, you know what day it is today, right?"

"Hmm, was there something? I don't remember." At this time, Kazuki thought that a man is someone who actually knows, but pretends not to.

"Well, never mind then. Have a good day."

Leaving his home, Kazuki thought in his heart, 'Honestly, that woman. There's no way I would forget. Our wedding anniversary. I have to buy something on the way home. She's surely making a feast and waiting, so I'll go home early today.'

◇ ◇ ◇

Thinking back, Kazuki still felt that since his family life is built on his work, his wife would surely understand, so he changed his mind and headed out to his regular small restaurant with the members of his department. The landlady who was waiting spoke to Kazuki in a low voice, looking suspicious.

"Nakanishi-san, isn't today an important day? Is it okay for you to be drinking here with everyone?"

"Landlady, it can't be helped. My subordinate closed a very big deal today."

"Then, you should at least give your wife a call."

"It's fine, it's fine, she's not such a narrow-minded wife, you know~"

Having said that, Kazuki and the others began their contract celebration in the back room and started drinking happily. About two hours passed, and as everyone began to get tipsy, some members started to wrap things up and head home, thinking about the next day.

"Section Chief, I'll be taking my leave now. My wife is waiting for me."

"Hey, hey, it's only ten o'clock. What are you doing? Aren't you being too considerate of your wife?"

"Ah, Section Chief. If you keep saying things like that, your wife is going to run away from you~"

"Don't say stupid things. My wife isn't that narrow-minded. Even today, it was our wedding anniversary, but I prioritized this drinking party with you guys."

Hearing those words, the subordinates felt that things had gone wrong in an instant, and they all left like the receding tide.

"Eh, wait. Everyone left. Madam."

"Mr. Nakanishi, no matter how well you think you know each other as a married couple, if you don't put it into words, it won't get across and you'll be misunderstood. Before it's too late, go buy some flowers and head home quickly."

Kazuki suddenly felt a sense of guilt, left the shop, stopped by a nearby florist to buy a bouquet of roses, and hailed a taxi. In the taxi, Kazuki thought, 'I don't think my wife would fail to understand me, but it is a fact that I stood her up today. I wonder if she's angry, maybe.' Eventually, he arrived home, but he couldn't see any lights.

"I'm home—huh?"

Since there was no answer from inside, he had no choice but to insert his key, open the entrance, and enter the room. It was dark. Feeling a vague sense of unease, he headed to the living room and turned on the lights. He noticed a note on the dining table.

"Welcome home. I'm tired of being with you. I want to end being pushed around by you, so I'm going back to my parents' house. I'll send the divorce papers later."

Kazuki panicked. He was uncontrollably anxious, and regret washed over him all at once. For now, Kazuki sent a LINE message to his wife, Manami, but it wasn't marked as read. He had no choice but to call his wife's parents' house.

"Is that you, Mother-in-law? Actually, Manami left the house and headed your way. It's all my fault. In my heart, I was always grateful to Manami, but I didn't convey it at all in words. I selfishly thought she understood. I don't want to break up. I love Manami. I am very grateful to Manami. Could you please tell her for me? That I want her to come back."

The person who answered the phone at her parents' house was his wife, Manami.

"Dear, it's me. You should have just told me from the beginning. If you don't say it in words, a woman feels insecure. But I'm relieved to know how you feel. I'll stay here tonight and come home tomorrow. I'll forgive you just this once. So, from now on, please convey it properly in words, okay?"

"Ah, it was Manami. I thought it was your mother and just kept talking. But, I understand. I was wrong. That's right, even if I think it in my heart, you wouldn't know, would you?"

"No, it's okay. But it seems you have good subordinates and a good regular shop. Everyone told me. They said things like, 'I'm sorry for the drinking party today,' and the landlady told me, 'Please forgive him.' I thought, 'Oh, so you do talk properly when you're outside.' Somehow, that made me feel frustrated, and I just ran out of the house."

"So that's what happened. I'm sorry. I'm very grateful to you, Manami. The reason I am who I am today is thanks to you. It's true. I bought roses today because it's our wedding anniversary. I'll put them in a vase, so look at them tomorrow. Well then, see you tomorrow, goodnight."

"Yes, then, see you tomorrow. Good night."

It seems Kazuki and Manami managed to keep their bond from breaking. Even if you have feelings of gratitude, there are times when they won't be understood unless you put them into words and convey them, right? You should be careful about that too.

The End

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