For over five years, the task of washing dishes after dinner has been my quiet contribution to our daily life. Last night unfolded like this.
As I was washing the dishes, my wife was alongside me, drying and storing away the cleaned items. She started telling me about her day, 'Today, I went to the Koishikawa Botanical Garden with Ms. XX.' I responded with a contemplative 'Hmm.'
She continued, 'And on the way back, we wanted to visit the cafeteria at T University, famed for its excellent fare, but a security guard stopped us... likely because of COVID-19 precautions.' My reply was a simple 'Hmm.'
She then mentioned, 'We considered going to "Ten-ya" nearby, but on a whim, we ended up at a Japanese soba noodle shop instead.' I offered a more engaged 'Really?'
As my hands continued their work and I listened to her recount her adventures, she paused and remarked, 'You’ve changed, love. You used to press for a point with a brisk 'So?' or 'What's your point?' Didn’t you?' I playfully responded, 'Did I?'
She smiled and said, 'This is what's nice. I ramble on about the day's happenings, and you’re here, just listening.' 'Is that so?' I mused. 'It’s the comfort in this, our simple routine, that brings me peace. Thank you,' she expressed.
All I was doing was standing there, washing dishes, letting her voice wash over me as I did the plates.
And today, the calendar marks November 22nd—'Good Couple’s Day,' a fitting tribute to the little harmonies we share."
