For Gary, life had always been a settled affair, a modest home in the suburbs, a loving wife, and a successful career. He had a routine, one that he cherished; it was comfortable, predictable, and calm. But one fine day, life decided to shake things up, adding a twist he could hardly foresee.
It all began innocently enough. One day, he and his wife decided to treat themselves to a couples’ massage at the newly opened spa downtown. Gary had never been big on massages, but he relented to his wife’s insistence. Little did he know how transformative that decision would be.
The masseuse, Sasha, was a woman of incredible allure. She had a radiant smile that could rival the sun, and her eyes held a kind of depth that intrigued Gary. But it was more than her looks that caught his attention. It was the way she handled him, the way her hands moved over his body, sure and steady, knowledgeable and kind, that stirred something in him.
From then on, he found himself going to the spa more frequently, always asking for Sasha. His wife, thinking it was the massage he had taken a liking to, never suspected anything.
Over the next few months, the connection he felt with Sasha deepened. They talked and laughed, sharing pieces of themselves in the quiet intimacy of the spa room. He found himself looking forward to his appointments, not just for the soothing touch of her hands but for the companionship she offered. It was a strange sensation, one he hadn’t felt in years, and he recognized it for what it was – love.
But he was married, and Sasha was just his masseuse. He couldn’t express his feelings, could hardly even allow himself to feel them. But they were there, and ignoring them didn’t make them disappear.
Gary found a way to show his affection in the only way he knew he could. He tipped Sasha generously, hoping that the extra money could express his feelings when words couldn’t. He took care in choosing the amount, each bill a silent ‘I love you,’ ‘I care for you,’ ‘I appreciate you.’
Sasha was surprised by the generous tips, and she thanked him warmly each time. But to Gary, her smiles held a tinge of sadness, as if she knew what he couldn’t voice.
His heart ached each time he watched her count the money, her face softening as she ran her fingers over the bills, acknowledging his silent confession. He knew he was treading a thin line, but he couldn’t help it. He had fallen in love with Sasha, and there was nothing he could do about it.
So, he continued to tip her generously, his silent confession of love wrapped in every bill, and hoped that someday, he could find a way to express his feelings honestly and properly. But until then, he would remain the married man in love with his masseuse, a secret affection held close to his heart.
Mike m. luster 