The Story:

Tom, 38, always prided himself on being a devoted husband. He and his wife, Emily, have been married for ten years and usually celebrate their anniversaries with special trips. This year was meant to be extra special for their tenth anniversary, but things took a turn when Tom’s sister, Sarah, called.

Sarah, who lives in another state, was about to give birth and needed support because her husband was deployed. Tom felt he had to be there for her, even though it meant missing his anniversary with Emily. Emily was upset and felt abandoned, but Tom went anyway.

When Tom returned a week later, he found the house empty and a note from Emily saying she left to show him how it felt to be left out. Tom later learned Emily had been staying at a hotel near the hospital and had even visited Sarah with flowers.

Emily wanted Tom to understand her hurt and loneliness. Tom felt torn between guilt for hurting Emily and frustration over her extreme reaction. Now, he’s unsure if he made the right choice or if Emily’s response was too harsh.