Caroline was upset when her husband Steven told her that his deployment tour overseas had been extended by an entire two months. To make up for it he says that he’s going to send her a special present. Caroline is ecstatic, but when the time comes, her reaction is the opposite of what she expected. She’s so furious at what her husband has done… A day after receiving the gift, she decides to divorce him.
An Army Wife Receives A Gift From Her Husband And So She Divorces Him 24 Hours Later
Unwrapping The Present
Caroline was excitedly unwrapping the gift that Steven had delivered directly to her. She took great joy in snipping away the tape of the extremely large gift. The size was astounding, but he would be away for an extra two months, and so he certainly had a lot to make up for. He assured Caroline that the present would more than makeup for it. She simply couldn’t wait to see this amazing gift he’d sent.
Unwrapping The Present
And What Is This Supposed To Be?!
Caroline finally got the package open, and she was extremely surprised by the contents, but not in any good way… This was certainly not what she had imagined when she was told she’d be receiving a special present. Slow her confusion began to turn to rage when she began to understand what Steven had done to her… After such a big build-up, he’d just done this. She was so disgusted. She simply couldn’t believe this.
And What Is This Supposed To Be
Filing For A Divorce
A mere 24 hours after opening the present that was meant to make up for his extended absence, it appeared Steven would be permanently absent from her life because Caroline had divorced him and simply wanted nothing more to do with him ever again. Just what was the matter you may wonder. What could have possibly been in that package that pushed her to divorce her husband? Well, it’s actually quite a tale to tell…
Filing For A Divorce
Problems With Her Husband
When Caroline heard that her husband Steven was going to be deployed in the Middle East again, she couldn’t contain her sorrow or fury. He had made a promise that’d he be home soon. In fact last she spoke to him he said he’d be back the following week, to see her and their son. She thought that he better have a very good reason for this massive delay of two months, and make amends.
Problems With Her Husband
A Troubled Relationship
Steven and Caroline had been married for quite a while. When Steven’s tour had been extended, they’d already been married for 6 years. At first, they were very happy together, but as time moved on certain difficulties arose between the two of them. Unfortunately, most of the trouble began with the birth of their child Jonathan. Quite a sad way for a family to begin, but sometimes life doesn’t go the way we exactly planned.
A Troubled Relationship
Family Or Career?
Caroline and her husband Steven had both always wanted to have kids. After some trying, Caroline fell pregnant and both of them were over the moon… at first. However, Caroline started having doubts, fears, and worries. This is natural for any mother to be, but Caroline was worried in particular about Steven’s job and his dedication to it. Would he be able to care for his family and work his job at the same time?
Family Or Career
A Military Man
The trouble was that Steven had been in the military for most of his life. He’d been in the military way longer than he’d known Caroline. When they first met he was already established and committed to his work. Caroline knew that, she knew what she signed up for, and she was okay with it. However, children change things. She was fine with him being needed elsewhere, but now a child was on its way.
A Military Man
A Big Promise
For about six months of every year, Steven was away in far-off lands on active duty. That’s half of every year he spent away on the other side of the planet. How could he be there enough for the child, and for his wife? It was physically impossible. Did this mean that Caroline was going to have to raise the child alone for half its childhood? She discussed this with her husband in great detail.
A Big Promise
Breaking His Promises
Steven promised that he’d slow down at work, that he’d get stationed closer to home, and actually be around more often. He even said that he may leave the military entirely and find work that would let them be at home all the time. Caroline was very excited and began thinking about the brilliant future for her happy family, however, Steven hadn’t been keeping his promises up until now, and so Caroline started getting upset.
Breaking His Promises
Staying Together
By the time of our story, and the incident with the gift, Steven and Caroline’s son Jonathan was already three years old. Despite it having been three whole years, Steven was still deployed most of the year, every single year. Caroline tried to keep up appearances and pretend everything was okay, and she was doing it well, but of course, the reality was sadder. Caroline felt alone, and there wasn’t anyone she could talk to.
Staying Together
Fighting For Her Family
In spite of everything he’d done, Caroline still loved Steven and didn’t want her family to fall apart. They’d been together for too long, and built too much together. Steven was still making promises, saying that he’d slow down, but it seemed like that would never happen. Then when he phoned and said he’d be gone for an extra two months that year, for a total of eight months, she pretty much lost all hope.
Fighting For Her Family
Phoning Her Husband
Given Steven’s position in the military, Caroline knew that this wasn’t the type of thing Steven could be ordered to do. Instead, she knew that he’d either have to agree to it or perhaps he even volunteered to do it, which would be much worse. She decided to phone him and find out the truth of the situation. Despite what she knew about his job, Steven claimed that he had been forced into this situation.
Phoning Her Husband
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
According to Steven, he was desperately needed to head a special mission that was going to run on for at least two more months. If he did this it would dramatically improve his position and get him promoted. That would mean more money for the family, and perhaps more flexibility in terms of where he’d be stationed. Caroline was very unsure about this, she had some serious doubts. Steven was just leaning into work more.
Excuses Excuses Excuses
A Very Special Present
Mind you, this was not the first time that Steven had made grand promises, only for nothing to come of them. Steven was well known to her at this point to always be making promises he wasn’t actually going to keep. Speaking of promises, he did promise he’d be making it up to her with a very special present, didn’t he? Perhaps now you can see why it may not have been what she expected…
A Very Special Present
Caroline’s Achilles Heel
Caroline tried to keep up a brave face and stay angry at her husband, angry over the extension of his mission, and all his excuses. Steven was a sly one though and knew her weakness. He knew that she loved gifts, and so by promising her a big one, he had effectively disarmed her. It appears Steven was applying tactics picked up at his job to his relationship. Would he actually deliver on his promise?
Carolines Achilles Heel
A Constant Pattern
This wasn’t the first time Steven had done this. For years now he’d use gifts to try and make up for his broken promises. Each time it had worked flawlessly. Caroline realized this and decided that although she’d drop it, for now, it was only because she had no other choice. However, she promised herself that when Steven got home, they were going to have a long and difficult conversation. This she would stick to.
A Constant Pattern
On The Other Side Of The Planet
On the other side of the planet, Steven was more than a little bit stressed. He knew that this time he’d really done it. He was in a tense situation and he couldn’t keep it up forever. He was keeping something big from Caroline, and eventually, she would discover it. He knew that he had to do something. He knew that he needed a plan, and maybe a little help pulling the whole thing off.
On The Other Side Of The Planet
Looking For The Perfect Present
He knew that he couldn’t prevent her from finding everything out eventually, but he did know that he might be able to delay the incident for as long as possible. The first step there was to find the perfect present to tide Caroline over and get her off of his back. He decided that he knew exactly what to get her. He patted himself on the back believing himself to be a sneaky brilliant genius.
Looking For The Perfect Present
Delaying Tactics
On the same day he cooked up the idea, Steven managed to arrange everything, and send the gift back to the United States on the very next flight. He was absolutely certain that this present would give him the time he needs until the end of this mission, and therefore give him enough time to plan his follow-up. Steven was in it for the long game, but he didn’t know Caroline had had enough trouble.
Delaying Tactics
A Hard Time For Caroline
Over at home in the United States, Caroline had no real time to get excited about the present that Steven had sent over for her. She had to tidy the house and look after Jonathan, plus there was the extra work involved in being effectively a single parent. All of this was coming together and working away on Caroline’s nerves. It was all becoming too much to handle. She was very tired of it all.
A Hard Time For Caroline
The Grand Present Finally Arrives
When that courier truck showed up in her street, all of Caroline’s stresses and fears disappeared and were replaced with an extreme excitement. She had to hold herself back to stop herself from running out to the truck. Instead, she just waited at the door, all the possibilities running through her mind. All the many things that Steven could have sent her. She was on edge the whole time. The long awaited moment had arrived.
The Grand Present Finally Arrives
Cracking Open The Envelope
The courier driver carried a taped up box with an envelope taped to it up to the front door. He handed it over to her and after she’d signed for it, it was all hers. She could immediately tell by looking at the label that this was the grand promised present Steven had sent to her. She hurried inside with it and began opening the letter stuck to the front of it. The plot thickened.
Cracking Open The Envelope
An Overwhelming Feeling Of Love
When Caroline began reading the letter she simply swooned and melted. It was an extremely sweet letter and it just reminded her of everything she loved about Steven. It took her all the way back to when Steven and her relationship began. She was so taken by the letter that she almost forgot about the gift… almost. Now it was time to open the gift itself. Caroline wondered what the simple brown nondescript box contained.
An Overwhelming Feeling Of Love
The Ultimate Excitement
Caroline was super excited, but not too excited to miss a chance to Snapchat the moment. She took a photo of the box that Steven had sent her and uploaded it with a caption explaining that she couldn’t wait to open it up. Steven probably wouldn’t see it immediately, but she needed to document it. She fetched a knife from the kitchen draw and began happily slashing through the packaging. It was almost the moment.
The Ultimate Excitement
Where Was It?
Caroline began digging through the big box. For the most part, it was just filled with packing beans. In fact, at first look, it appeared that that was all that was in the box. Was this some kind of joke? Caroline kept searching through the package, but the longer she did, the more she began to doubt there was anything there. Eventually, however, she found it… most definitely was not what she had in mind.
Where Was It
A Little Plastic Box
So what did Caroline find in the box that Steven had sent? What was it that was hidden among all that packing material? It was a tiny plastic box. Nothing special to look at. Caroline experienced a little jolt. She wondered if perhaps Steven had sent her a ring. She wondered if he was proposing a renewal of voes. She opened the box, but it didn’t contain a ring. What it contained raised more questions.
A Little Plastic Box
A Key To The Heart
In the little plastic box, Caroline found a key with a key ring attached to it in the shape of a red heart. On the little heart shaped item, there was a phrase written on it in Steven’s familiar but very messy handwriting. The phrase said that the key was a key to Steven’s heart. Caroline wonder what the key could be used for. Surely it wasn’t just Steven trying to be cute and clever…
A Key To The Heart
Contacting Steven
Caroline was very confused about what was going on. As such, she decided to contact Steven through Snapchat. You may be wondering why she didn’t simply call him, but she knew that his reception is quite bad while deployed, and so he either wouldn’t get the call at all, or he just wouldn’t be able to hear a single word she said. Snapchat was a better choice. With it, she’d be able to message properly.
Contacting Steven
Steven Receives The Message
Steven was relieved when he saw Caroline’s message appear on his phone. Although it wasn’t the relief that a good husband feels when he’s done something well. Instead, he was glad that she had taken his bait. This was going exactly as he’d planned, and so he had a whole set of responses ready to send to Caroline, and that’s what he began doing. This whole thing was a lot more elaborate than Caroline expected.
Steven Receives The Message
A Cryptic Message
The message that Caroline receives from Steven is extremely short and mysterious, but she knows exactly what it is. She knows that Steven has sent her coordinates and that her real gift waits at the place the coordinates indicated. Still, she wondered why he had done it this way rather than just sending her the gift directly. Caroline had forgotten her troubles and was very intrigued by the whole thing. So Caroline set out quickly.
A Cryptic Message
Question Question Questions
Did this mean that the gift was too big to be sent in the mail? Was it perhaps a car, or was it something bigger? Was the key to a box with her gift inside? She wonder if Steven had been planning this for a long time, or if it was something recent. It was safe to say she had a lot of questions, but there was only one way for her to find out.
Question Question Questions
Setting Out On An Adventure
Steven was no longer responding to any of Caroline’s messages. It was clear to her that he didn’t want to give any more away, and that he wanted her to set out on her own and discover the gift. She knew that she had to go to the coordinates. Caroline found this all exciting and so she set out. Every minute was adding to the excitement, she didn’t doubt this gift would be worth it.
Setting Out On An Adventure
A Home Somewhere In The City
As a first step, Caroline looked up the coordinates on a map app to get an idea of where they led. She suspected they’d lead to a storage compound, or maybe even the home of Steven’s parents, or perhaps the home of one of his friends. The coordinates did indeed lead to a home, but she didn’t recognize it. It was certainly no home she’d ever visited before. This only deepened her already great curiosity.
A Home Somewhere In The City
The House Looks Very Old
The house was on the outskirts of the city, and when she looked at it on Google street view, Caroline got a very uncomfortable feeling from it. It looked to be in terrible shape, and if she were to guess, she’d say it’s most likely abandoned. She couldn’t think why Steven would ever want her to go to a house like this. Her great excitement was a bit dampened at the thought of going there.
The House Looks Very Old
A Deliberate Choice
Unfortunately, she couldn’t ask Steven what the meaning of this was. As she was hesitant, she messaged him but he simply didn’t respond. She’d later learn that Steven chose this house for a very particular reason, but it would be a while before she’d find out well. For the time being, she’d have to set out and discover what was going on. She was now very much an even mix of excited and nervous emotions.
A Deliberate Choice
Planning Her Route
Caroline had to fetch their son Jonathan from his kindergarten, but she still had a lot of time left. She thought that she could drive all the way across the city, visit the house, and then still get back in time. She knew she could make it but she’d have to be quick. As such she immediately grabbed her keys and left the house. It was time to end the mystery and get the gift.
Planning Her Route
A Very Shady Neighbourhood
According to the app, Caroline would have to drive for roughly 20 minutes before she’d reach the location indicated by the coordinates. She began driving, and the further she went, the more the homes she passed began to go down in quality. Caroline had rarely been to this part of town, and she was very nervous, but she was too curious now, she couldn’t turn back. She had to see this through to the end.
A Very Shady Neighbourhood
An Abandoned Property
When Caroline finally arrived at the house, she discovered that her assumption was spot on. The house was most certainly abandoned, and it appeared that it had been years since anyone had been there. It looked even worse in person than it did on the app. Her fun excitement had mostly vanished at this point. Now she was basically all just nerves. She’d come this far though, and so she’d have to see this through…
An Abandoned Property
The Key Fits The Lock
Caroline went up to the front door and she tried to open it. Unsurprisingly, or perhaps surprisingly, it was locked. She remembered the key from the package, and although she didn’t want to, she took it out and put it in the lock. It actually fit. She twisted it and the door swung open. She had slightly renewed faith in Steven again. He knew what he was doing. Unfortunately, this renewed faith would be short-lived.
The Key Fits The Lock
A House In Truly Terrible Shape
Caroline entered the house very carefully. She didn’t know what to expect, and yet she wasn’t surprised. The house was truly disgusting. Everything was trashed. There was garbage and smashed furniture everywhere. The walls were covered in graffiti, and the smell was overwhelming. Caroline was horrified. What could Steven have possibly planned for her here? That old anger she felt toward Steven was slowly resurfacing, she couldn’t imagine what this was and she was annoyed.
A House In Truly Terrible Shape
Confronting Steven
Caroline decided she’d message Steven and ask him what was going on. She wouldn’t stop until he answered her. She was going to tell him that she didn’t see anything except a stinky empty house. She decides to wait for his answer but would like to get out of there as soon as possible. It was at that point that she started hearing sounds coming from the second floor of the house. A scary shuffling.
Confronting Steven
A Noise On The Second Floor
Caroline was terrified now, and more afraid by the second. She approached the stairs, while at the same time considering fleeing. She thought that perhaps she should just go home and forget about Steven’s dumb surprise. She also considered phoning Steven and asking him what the hell he thought he was doing by sending her to a place like this all alone. Was this all part of his plan, or did he make a mistake?
A Noise On The Second Floor
Someone Bursts Through A Door
When Caroline got upstairs onto the second floor, she tried to figure out where the sound was coming from. Before she could do that though, a door flew open and someone came running out. The shock nearly scared her to death. She was now certain that this wasn’t part of Steven’s plan. Something had definitely gone very wrong with the whole thing. Now Caroline was extremely frightened by the whole terrible situation. Steven totally messed up.
Someone Bursts Through A Door
A Rusted Knife
The person who rushed out of the door was in terrible condition. He appeared to have been living on the streets for years. His clothes were worn and filthy. Caroline thought that he may have been high on something too. His movements were very unnatural and very erratic. The part that concerned Caroline the most though was that he was had a rusty knife and was pointing it at her. From bad to absolute worse.
A Rusted Knife
Caroline Gets Mugged
The disheveled man demands Caroline’s phone, purse, and anything else she might have on her. Caroline responds quickly. She values her life far more than any of her possessions. After she gives everything to her the ratty man runs past her and charges out of the house in a great hurry. He must have felt it was his lucky day, but Caroline was terrified, sad, and furious. This certainly had gone as badly as possible.
Caroline Gets Mugged
Caroline’s Car Is Stolen
The robber made a quick getaway, thanks in part to the fact that among the things he took were Caroline’s car keys. The robber jumped in and sped away, leaving Caroline stranded. Caroline still hasn’t gotten over it. It appears the guy was a homeless man living in the house, and he jumped at the opportunity that Caroline presented by just walking into his lair. Caroline knew she needed to go to the police station.
Carolines Car Is Stolen
Caroline Needs To Fetch Her Son
After all of this, Caroline needed to still fetch her son Jonathan. However, she was stuck without anything to do. She had no phone to say she’d be late, or a car to get there, or even money to get a cab. Still, fetching Jonathan was her priority. She decided she’d get her son, then take him home, and then after all of that she’d go to the police station and report what had happened.
Caroline Needs To Fetch Her Son
Getting Help From Abraham
While Caroline is attempting to figure out what to do, and where to go, she had some luck when a man offer to give her a lift, and it looks like she’ll be able to fetch her son Jonathan on time too. The helpful man even lends her a phone and offers to take her to the police station as well. Caroline is extremely relieved at the help she was getting. She was very grateful.
Getting Help From Abraham
The Man Is Extremely Helpful
Caroline tries to keep it together. She doesn’t want to upset Jonathan by letting him know what had happened to her, but she’s having a very hard time. It was lucky then that the helpful man, named Abraham noticed her difficulty. So he started up conversation with Jonathan, telling him stories and joking with him to distract him. Caroline was so happy and deeply appreciated his assistance. She would never forget everything Abraham had done.
The Man Is Extremely Helpful
Finally Returning Home
Caroline finally got home and to her surprise found that a car was in her driveway. A car she had never seen before. Did this mean there was someone in her house? The car was empty. She decides to ring the doorbell because of course the robber took her keys. Surprisingly someone opened the door. This was very strange as you can well imagine. So who was in her house, and why were they there?
Finally Returning Home
A Friend Of Steven’s
To her relief, Caroline recognized the man who opened her door. It was a good friend of Steven’s. Before she can ask him what he’s doing, he guides her inside and starts leading her to her bedroom, along the way asking her what took so long. As she opens her bedroom door she freezes as she sees Steven’s gift laying on the bed. After all of that trouble, it was time for the big reveal…
A Friend Of Stevens
A Body Pillow Shaped Like Steven
Laying on the bed is a life-sized, accurate body pillow with a photo of Steven printed on it. Steven’s buddy says that he had been asked to deliver the gift to the house as a surprise while she was off on a wild goose chase. He says that the only reason she’d been sent to that dingey house was to get her away from her home long enough for him to set this thing up.
A Body Pillow Shaped Like Steven
A Red Herring
That dank depressing house actually belonged to this guy. He had recently acquired it to fix up and sell, and so it seemed like a perfect prop for this plan, as it was very far away from Caroline’s house. So that was what it was all for. After all of it, Steven’s big gift was a body pillow of himself. Caroline now knew the whole story and she was furious. She had been in danger.
A Red Herring
Contacting The Police
Steven’s dumb plan could have gotten her killed, and she decided she’d had enough of him and his broken promises, but she had something to do first. After she had settled down she sent his friend away and Abraham took her to report the crime to the police. Caroline was certain that the police wouldn’t be able to help, and that the robber was gone, but for once he was happy to be proven incorrect…
Contacting The Police
Arrested For Speeding
The robber had already been arrested by the police. In fact, from what the police told her, he didn’t get very far with her car and possessions. He had been speeding away when the police pulled him over. They could immediately tell something was wrong and so they arrested him. After a bit of paperwork, she got everything back. Now it was time for paperwork of a different kind. She headed to a good lawyer.
Arrested For Speeding
Divorcing Steven
The very next day, a short 24 hours after her ordeal, Caroline filed to divorce Steven. Caroline was over it, this had been the straw that had broken the camel’s back. Steven had a very hard time accepting this and he tried to fight, but Caroline was sure of what she was doing. She turned her attention elsewhere. She had someone else she was interested in now. Lying Steven was no longer her problem anymore.
Divorcing Steven
Getting With Abraham
After Abraham had helped her some much that day, Caroline stayed in contact with him. Over time the two began to develop feelings for each other. After Steven had accepted the divorce and filed the papers, Caroline and Abraham officially started dating. You’ll be glad to know that they are still together to this day. They met by luck and as chance would have it they were perfect for each other. Definitely a happy ending.
Getting With Abraham
A New Beginning
Steven had a lot to think about. When he found out everything that had happened, he realized that he had put his family through a lot of stress. By understanding this he came to accept the divorce. He knew that Caroline was right to do it. He had taken his family for granted and had now lost them. The only thing he had left was the job he loved so much. It was his life.
A New Beginning
Caroline’s Happy Ending
Steven had apologized to Caroline a lot. While they’ll never be together again, he does get to spend time with Jonathan on the rare occasions when he’s home. He’s still deployed for most of the year, even more than before. Abraham and Jonathan get along well, so Caroline has the family set up she’s always wanted, and things have never been better. Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes for good or sometimes bad.
Carolines Happy Ending