Nine months pregnant, Eloise was frustrated. The crib, still unassembled, sat in the nursery as a glaring reminder of Tom’s procrastination. Despite her pleas, Tom always said, “Tomorrow.” But tomorrow never came.
Exhausted and feeling alone, Eloise decided to take matters into her own hands. She struggled to assemble the crib, her back aching, tears welling up. When Tom finally walked in, he casually commented, “Good job. Why did you ask for my help if you can do it yourself?”
That night, lying awake, Eloise realized it wasn’t just about the crib—it was about their partnership. The next day, she devised a plan. She feigned exhaustion and asked Tom to handle preparations for a small get-together. Confidently, he agreed.
As the day unfolded, Tom struggled. The tasks were overwhelming, and time slipped away. By the time guests arrived, the decorations were half-done, and Tom was a mess. Eloise addressed the gathering, pointedly mentioning how she had assembled the crib alone, despite being so close to giving birth. The room fell silent, and Tom’s embarrassment was palpable.
After the guests left, Tom apologized, realizing he hadn’t been the partner Eloise needed. She made it clear that she needed him to step up, not just in words, but in actions. Tom, humbled, promised to change.
Eloise knew this was his last chance.