The decision

He mulls over it for a long long time. Cannot decide. Paces across. Does so for an hour. Wife notices. Doesn’t say anything - used to it. He reaches for a coin in his pocket. Mumbles his call. About to toss, but stops on the way. Brings out a pad. To commit to the call, scribbles: Heads – go for it. Tails - lucky, safe.

Then tosses the coin. It’s a tail. Relief, indeed.

He looks back, hesitates – then with slow, doubtful, slouch-shouldered paces, walks toward the café. Somehow he knows she is there today.