They come in together for every appointment. Not that they have a choice, Edith is in a wheelchair. They are such a nice couple, and the care that he gives to her is so loving.

He is always whispering in her ear so quietly that no one can share their tender moments. Edith just sits there, saying nothing. She had a stroke about a year ago, the poor thing, and it was so bad she lost her ability to speak and to walk. She is so weak and fragile.

John has to do everything for her. He takes her to get her hair done once a week and the rest of the time he does the best he can, which truth be known isn’t very good. Her clothes are old but clean and her shoes look a bit too big.

He seems a proud man and never asks for help. They never had any children and have no other family, so it’s just the two of them. They are in their mid-70s and been married for 50 years.

John always likes to say that they’ve been married 50 years, 50 long years. He then always chuckles and looks down at his wife and smiles. Sometimes you’ll see Edith eyes start to moisten. John will pat her hand and says, “It’s ok Edith, now it’s my turn.”

Lately John has had to bring in Edith more often. She is losing a lot of weight and doesn’t seem to want to eat. After her appointment, John says that he is going to take her to her favorite diner and see if he can coax her into eating something.

Later at the diner, John and Edith sit at one of the tables. John is showing Edith the menu and pointing out a few of the items. “Don’t they all sound so yummy Edith? I’m starving.”

The waitress comes over to take their order. She smiles at Edith as she places a glass of ice water in front of her. “Oh hey John, hi Edith. How are you guys? Your favorite meatloaf is on special today.” John looks away from his menu and smiles at Sue. They always sit in her section because she understands their situation and doesn’t fuss. “I’m good Sue, and I will have the special, but Edith here doesn’t want to eat. I thought she might eat since meatloaf is her favorite, but I can’t convince her. Oh well, maybe next time.” He pats Edith’s hand. “Never mind Edith, its ok.”

When the food comes Edith just sits there patiently waiting while John eats his meal. He doesn’t take long to eat, then he pays the bill, and they leave.

Back at home, John puts Edith in her bed. He leaves to get her something to eat. He returns after a very short time with a plate for her. The food is overcooked, and has been reheated, so it looks dry and nasty.

“Here you go Edith, just like you used to give to me, all over cooked and dry. Remember that? I do. I’d come home from work and if I was a little late, this is what I would get, if I was lucky. Remember now?”

Edith just looks at him giving no indication whether she understands or not. John starts to give her some of the food; he’s careful how he feeds her, even wipes her mouth to keep her clean.

“I never understood why you were so mean. I stood it for so long: the hitting, yelling, and hurtful words. What man is going to tell anyone that his own wife is abusing him? Leave you? No, I couldn’t do that. I wasn’t raised like that.”

He takes the plate away. “That should be enough to keep you going; just.” He smiles, only now the smile isn’t the sweet one he had earlier when they were out together.

He moves her from a sitting position to a laying one. He’s looking down at her, not moving or saying anything. His hands are clenched into fists, and you can see his anger is coming to the surface. He grabs a pillow and holds it right above her face. At this point he is shaking with anger.

For the first time there is a slight reaction from Edith as ever so subtlety she raises her chin. There is a look in her eyes; she is telling him to do it.

John starts to lower to pillow onto Edith’s face. All he has to do is apply pressure and hold it down until she stops breathing. When out together, he looks like a man who cares deeply for his wife, so no one would ever suspect him of killing her.

John straightens up and tosses the pillow next to Edith. “You’d like that wouldn’t you? Well that isn’t going to happen today. I suffered for 50 years, 50 long years. Now it’s your turn.”

There is a tear rolling down her cheek. She knows John is right, she was an abusive wife and everything he said was true. Now she can’t do anything for herself. She is hungry but he only gives her just enough to keep her going. This has been going on for almost a year, and she would now welcome death.

Earlier today, while at the doctor’s office, he whispered in her ear, “I have a surprise for you when we get home.” She knew it wouldn’t be a good one but when he held the pillow above her face she thought that finally he was done and would put an end to this. But no, he isn’t done. Not today anyway.