May 2011

Emily and Matt are having marital problems. They are discussing things and are argueing about things the whole day. Their work has eaten their marriage and their had been discussions where they had even talked about divorce. They had reached a final point where they had to decide what to do. Matt and Emily still loved each other but there were still things that made them discuss and argue over everything.

“Emily!” “Cheryl!” Emily entered Cheryl´s office and sat down across from her. “Emily what is going on between you and Matt.” “Nothing.” “I thought you were happy.” “We are happy Cherly.” Cheryl looked at her a little questioning. “I do not know what heppened to us Cheryl. We were happy but everything just consumed us. I am worried that our marriage is ending Cheryl.”

Cheryl walked around her desk and sat on the edge on it. “Emily Matt loves you with everything he has and he would do everything he can do protect you.” “How do you know that?” “Emily about a week ago Matt and I had a conversation with a high Ranking officer who wanted to question your actions on your latest case.” “So?” “Matt told him that the things he read are wrong and that he told you to do what you where doing and that ypou acted on his orders. He protected you because he loves you.” “Is he getting punished?” “Yes. He will only get have of his payment for three months.” “That is not fair.” “I know Emily but he wanted it that way.” Could you call him?” “Yeah.”

When Matt entered Cheryl´s office she left the couple alone. Matt sat down on the empty chair next to Emily. “Matt why did you take the fall for me?” “I had to.” “No you did not. You could have told them the truth Matt.” He took her hands in made her look at him. “Sweetheart I did what I had to do. I did it because I love you and I wanted to protect you. I know that you would really suffer from the punishment.” He cupped her face. “Honey you were not really yourself in between and I did not want to put more stress on you. You did not need it Emily.”

She looked at him and knew that he did it in best intentions. “Matt but you do not need to protect me.” “Emily listen to me. I grew up in a family, where my father always taught me to protect my wife and children in anyway I can and I am doing that. Please honey just let me do what I was taught. It can sometimes be helpful and better for you.” “I understand Matt but I am just asking you to talk to me.” “Alright.” He pulled her towards her and kissed her temple carefully.

“Emily I know that you do not really want to talk about things that are on your mind but I am asking you to tell me what has been on your mind for the last few weeks.” “I was thinking how it might be if I would start working part-time or how it would be if I would take a leave of absence for about half a year to spend with the children and to do other things, like going to the museum or doing some creative work at home in the cellar.” Matt looked at her a little surprised. “When did you come up with that?” “I have been thinking about that for a while now but I was not sure if it would be a good idea for a while.” “Are you sure now?” “No.” He put his hand on her lower arm. “Emily take the time you need to decide if you want to do that or not.” “Thank you.” He knew that Emily would need time to decide.

The next morning Emily went to talk to Cheryl. “Cheryl I talked to Matt yesterday.” “Alright?” “I want to take a leave of absence for three months.” “Why?” “I want to pick the kids up early from Daycare and Kindergarden to spend more time with them. Also I want to do more other stuff like going to a museum or doing some creative work in our cellar. I just need somethin else, too Cheryl. When I return I want to continue with my crative work and do not want to loose it again. I will only work part-time when I return.”

“That is a surprise Emily but if it allows you to work on your hobbys and spend more time with the children and if it will let you be happy I am willing to authorize it as far as I can.” “Thank you.” “I will make sure that you will be able to do the things they way you want to.” “Thank you Cheryl” “Your welcome.” “Thank you mom.”

When Emily left her office she met Matt at his desk. “Matt!” “Hey!” “I just talked to mom. I will take a leave of absence for three months and after that I will only work part-time.” Matt looked surprised. “Are you sure that that is what you want?” “Yes Matt that is what I want. I just need more time with the kids and need more time for my creative work and for myself.” “I see.” “I have to do it Matt.” “I know. You know that I will support each decision you make as long as you are happy with it.” “I am happy with it Matt.” He got up and pulled her towards him to give her a kiss.

A week later Emily knows that she will start her leave of absence on the first of July and that she will return on the first of October. Matt could see that she was happier since she knew that she would take a leave of absence and would work part-time after that. He knew that she did the right thing because it let her be happy. That is what is the most important thing for him, that his family, especially his wife, is happy.