Andrew emerged from the bathroom, towel in hand, gently patting his hair dry. His eyes fell on Alice, seated at the dressing mirror, applying night cream, a vision of angelic beauty in her white nightgown.

Gently placing his hands on her shoulders, he positioned himself behind her and asked, "Venice was on your bucket list, wasn't it?"

Looking at Andrew's downcast face in the mirror, Alice sighed. "Dad's revelation is still weighing on you, isn't it?"

"I wouldn't say that. I'm just feeling disappointed in myself. As your husband, I should have been more attentive to your likes, dislikes, fears, desires, and allergies."

Andrew felt Alice's gentle touch on his...