The Unforgettable Transformation of Mr. Meaks

The Power of Change

Every morning Mrs. Meaks prepared two eggs over-easy, bread—lightly toasted for dipping, and black coffee for Mr. Meaks. After breakfast, he would head upstairs, brush his teeth for exactly two minutes and spit the bubbly foam into the sparkling porcelain sink, then comb the tangles out of salt and pepper hair, parting it to the left. He would then clean his glasses and place them on his nose. On his way out, he kissed his wife precisely three times and headed to work.

This morning started out much the same. He was served his regular breakfast, then surprised Mrs. Meaks by asking for jam. With eyebrows raised, she handed it to him.

He chuckled at her and winked.

“What’s gotten into you this morning?” she asked, as their eyes met over his coffee cup.

“Oh, nothing really. It just sounded good.”

He smiled, reached for her hand, and gave it a quick squeeze before taking a bite of his toast.

Cheeks red, she went back to making her own food.

Mr. Meaks continued his morning routine, brushing his teeth for two minutes, combing his hair with a part to the left, and then paused to stare at his reflection in the mirror. He turned his head, scrunched his forehead, and grimaced. Tears filled his eyes, but before any fell, he ran his hands over his face, rubbing them away. Shaking, he fumbled the top button of his shirt open, combed his hair straight back, put his glasses on his nose, and then smiled.

Walking down the stairs, he watched as his wife stepped through the kitchen door. She looked up and beamed as he bounced down the last three stairs, grabbed her hand, pulled her into a spin, a dip, and lifted her up into a smoldering kiss.

Mrs. Meaks wobbled on her feet as he let her go and headed out the front door.

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_{***Disclaimer*** This is a work in progress and as such is likely to change before reaching the finished product. Thank you for your understanding.}