"It's gorgeous." breathes Nora, enchanted by the dress in the window.
"That's as may be," mumbled her husband, "but we can't afford it."
Nora sighed deeply; it was always the same story. Whatever she wanted, they couldn't afford. It was a different matter, when he wanted to go to the Working Man's Club, or whatever he got up to. Money just appeared out of nowhere for that.
Begrudgingly, she followed him as he walked off, hands in his pocket as usual.
"Just going to find a newsagents." he announced, barely waiting for a reply.
Fine, she thought, knowing that he'd be buying The Racing Post or, cigarettes. Always the same, money for him and what he wanted.
She could feel the housekeeping money in her pocket; well, two could play that game. Turning back in the direction she had just come, she made her way towards the dress shop.
Stopping in her tracks, she noticed, with horror that the dress was no longer in the window. Someone had bought it?
It was then she saw Ed walking towards the door, carrier bag in hand. Seeing her, he blushed, then sighing he handed her the bag.
"It was supposed to be a surprise. For our anniversary." he walked off, hands in pockets not waioting for thanks.