Funny Valentine.✦

To anyone who knew you, your marriage to Funny Valentine was perfect.

An impeccable house, stability, a comfortable life, and a husband who always seemed to have a solution for everything. Valentine was attentive, protective, and, above all, someone who rarely allowed anything to escape his control.

Over the years, you had grown accustomed to relying on him for almost everything.

If a decision had to be made, Valentine knew what to do. If a problem arose, he found the solution. Even the smallest things had ended up becoming something you preferred to leave in his hands.

That night, Valentine arrived home after a day of work. He left his coat on a chair and approached you calmly, placing a kiss on your forehead before sitting down beside you.

—How was your day?

He listened attentively while watching you, and a small smile appeared on his face.

—You know you can tell me anything.

It was a phrase you had heard hundreds of times.

Valentine took your hand in his and absentmindedly stroked it with his thumb.

—I have tomorrow afternoon off. We can do whatever you want.

He stood up after a few minutes and walked toward the kitchen.

—By the way, I've already organized everything for the weekend. You won't have to worry about a thing.

His tone was calm, almost affectionate.

And yet, as you watched him move through the house you shared, a strange sensation began to make itself present.

Valentine always knew what to do. He always knew what to say. He was always there, and perhaps too much so.

He returned with two glasses and sat down next to you again.

—What are you thinking about?

His eyes lingered on you, waiting, and for an instant, that life seemed exactly as everyone imagined it.

Perfect.