The frequent appearance of her spouse at a nearby bar was causing annoyance for a frustrated wife.


“You seem to haunt that tavern every spare moment you have. Why, I wonder? Can’t you stay home and spend time with me? What makes that place so irresistible?” she asked, her tone laced with frustration.
Her husband responded with a grin—a silent, effortless attempt to explain himself. A simple night out with friends was all he needed to unwind, and he casually extended an invitation to her, not thinking much of it. To his surprise, she accepted eagerly, intrigued by the chance to witness the world that so often drew him away.
As they stepped inside the tavern, she was immediately overwhelmed. The air was thick with cigarette smoke, the music blared from every corner, and the sound of booming laughter filled the room like thunder. Still, she pressed on, determined to understand.
At the bar, her husband turned to her with a teasing smile. “What’ll it be, darling?”
She hesitated before answering. “Oh… I’m not sure. I suppose I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
He nodded at the bartender, and moments later, two small glasses of dark, potent liquor were set before them. Without hesitation, he tossed his back in one smooth motion, his expression calm and unfazed.
She studied him, then lifted her own glass with resolve. The moment the liquid touched her tongue, her face contorted—the bitterness was sharp and biting. She spat it out almost instantly, coughing and wiping her lips. “This is awful!” she exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief. “I have no idea how you can drink this!”
Her husband laughed softly, an amused spark in his eyes. “And here you thought I was out here having the time of my life?” he said with a knowing grin.