The sun was slowly setting as Mark rushed to the highway, driving his truck with a trailer attached to the back. His heart was racing, not only because of the adrenaline of the moment, but also because he was trying to beat his girlfriend, Melissa, home from work. She had been eyeing a brand new washer and dryer set for months, and he had finally managed to get his hands on it.
As he merged onto the highway, he couldn't help but think how surprised and happy Melissa would be when she saw the new appliances in their home. But just as he was about to switch lanes, the trailer unhitched from the back of his truck, careening into the lane across the median and slamming into a parked car.
Mark's heart sank as he saw the accident in his rearview mirror. He quickly pulled over to assess the damage, but his hopes of surprising Melissa had disappeared in an instant.
Panicking, he jumped back in his truck and drove away from the scene. He couldn't believe what had just happened and felt like such a fool. The one thing he wanted to do for Melissa had backfired horribly.
Mark knew he had to come clean, but he was dreading the disappointment he knew he would see in Melissa's eyes. He finally made it home and went straight to the kitchen to grab a beer. He could hear Melissa in the other room, rustling through papers and organizing her bag.
She called out to him, "Hey babe, you home?"
Mark took a deep breath and made his way into the living room. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he braced himself for the conversation ahead.
"Melissa, I have to tell you something," he said, barely able to meet her eyes.
She looked up from her paperwork and furrowed her brow, sensing the seriousness in his voice. Mark proceeded to tell the story about brand new washer and dryer that was no more, and the guilt he felt for not getting off layaway before the date expired.
Melissa's expression softened as she listened to him. When he finished, she got up and walked over to him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and looked up at him with understanding.
"It's okay, Mark," she said, smiling softly. "I appreciate the thought, but all I need is you."
Mark couldn't believe how understanding Melissa was. He felt an overwhelming sense of relief that he didn't deserve.
From that day forward, he knew that no matter what happened, Melissa was all he needed to be happy.