“150 Dollars.” The man whispered. I didn't have that kind of money and asked him where an ATM machine was. Five minutes later I was the proud but confused owner of a gun. I had asked him how I could get home, and took the bus to my own neighbourhood. I tried to calm myself down before I went inside, and hid the gun in my purse. I wouldn't tell Frank I had it. It had been a weird impulse to buy it, and he wouldn't understand it. Maybe I'd get rid of it tomorrow, just dump it in the garbagebag. But maybe I'd keep it, in case Frank would try to hurt me. He was also acting strange lately. It was only safe for a woman to own a gun.

So I hid it in the nightstand next to my bed. That evening, Frank and I were having diner, and I had lit some candles to pretend everything was normal. But Frank had a grim look on his face.

“I've got a feeling that there's something going on, Mandy, something that you're not telling me. Are you thinking of leaving me?”

“No, Frank. Not at all!” I could honoustly say. I put on a surprised look.

“But you've got a secret, I can feel it.” He said, looking at me seriously. I was never very good at hiding something from him.

“No, I don't. You're thinking too much, I'm just in a stretch of life that's difficult for me.”

“You're silent when you're with me, you're distant, we don't cuddle anymore. What's happening between us, girl? Tell me, Mandy Mädchen.” His voice sounded emotional all of a sudden, and I felt a sting in my heart. What happened to the good ol' days?

“I know, I can feel it too. Maybe it's midlife crisis?” I tried to joke, but we weren't laughing. After a short silence, I went on. “I know I'm silent, but that's got nothing to do with you. I just need some time to think my life over, that's all. Stop trying to figure it out, it'll all go well.”

“It's going on for some time now, Mandy, don't you think it's been long enough? And you just won't tell me what it's about, it's no wonder a man starts to think things. It's not that you're seeing someone else is it?”
“Stop being so paranoid, Frank!” I yelled. “I just told you that I'm faithful to you! Jeez'.”

“Well, I can't be sure, can I?” He stared at me with a hard glance and I wanted to slap him in the face.