I Entered the House, Smelled Smoke, and Asked My Cheating Wife, 'Who Is He, Barb?'

English Epics

I Entered the House, Smelled Smoke, and Asked My Cheating Wife, 'Who Is He, Barb?'  In this gut-wrenching story, a husband walks into his home, only to be greeted by a strange, lingering scent of smoke and a feeling that something isn’t right. His instincts are confirmed when he confronts his wife with a simple yet heartbreaking question: "Who is he, Barb?" What follows is a shocking revelation of infidelity that shatters their marriage and leaves him questioning everything. This story captures the raw emotions of betrayal, pain, and the search for answers when trust is broken beyond repair.   Subscribe to hear more emotional stories of heartbreak, betrayal, and survival. Don't forget to turn on notifications for new uploads.   Like if you’ve ever experienced the pain of betrayal, and let us know in the comments how you would handle a similar situation.  ️ Comment below if you've ever been blindsided by someone you trusted, and share your thoughts on forgiveness and healing.  #Infidelity #Betrayal #SadStory #Heartbreak #TrueStory #EmotionalJourney #TrustIssues #MarriageStruggles

Transcript

00:00The decisive factor was the smell of cigarette smoke.

00:03I quit smoking at the age of 11.

00:05I had managed to smoke 10 packs of my mom's cigarettes and didn't feel very good.

00:10My brother laughed at me saying that I was doing everything wrong.

00:13Later that same day, I talked to my favorite uncle, a sailor and a smoker.

00:17If you keep smoking Tash, you'll never have any money.

00:20I wish I had never started.

00:22He always called me Tash.

00:23I think it was a nickname from his time in the Navy.

00:26I loved my uncle and that short conversation made me wonder why I was smoking in the first

00:31place.

00:32The reason was obvious.

00:33I wanted to be like the big boys, like my brother.

00:36I wanted to be accepted.

00:37It didn't take long to realize that they wouldn't be impressed.

00:41They wouldn't accept me because I was too young.

00:43Moreover, I realized that I didn't like the people I was trying to impress at all.

00:49So that was it.

00:50No more cigarettes.

00:51My resolve wavered slightly when I started chasing after girls.

00:54I wanted to impress them with how macho I was hanging around the streets with a cigarette

00:58in my mouth seemed so cool I hesitated until the moment the coolest girl in school.

01:04Rebecca Davis, let me kiss her.

01:06Rebecca was a smoker and so cool she hung out with guys my brother's age and let me

01:10kiss her.

01:11I was on cloud nine until I tasted it.

01:13Yuck, if smokers taste like this.

01:16I don't want any part of it.

01:18I broke up with Rebecca who looked very hurt and continued living as before, not cool and

01:22not smoking.

01:24I was always considered a bit unsociable since the time I was bullied on the playground.

01:28I tried not to show my emotions, hit them hard and hit them where it hurts.

01:33My uncle said, but above all, never let anyone see that they've gotten to you.

01:38That's exactly what they want and if they don't get it from you, they'll move on to

01:41someone else.

01:44This worked against the bullies but left a side effect that was somewhat less desirable.

01:48I was left with an inability to show emotions.

01:51Years passed and I found myself a sweet non-smoking girl.

01:54Her name was Barbara and we hit it off immediately.

01:57Eighteen months later I proposed to her and she accepted.

02:01That was 23 years ago.

02:02A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then.

02:05We have two grown children, Henry who just graduated from university and Zoe who was

02:10nearing the end of her first year of study with Barb.

02:13I could be myself.

02:14I could let down my guard a bit.

02:16When my brother died of lung cancer at just 42, it hit me harder than I expected.

02:21For several weeks after his death, I would find myself suddenly bursting into tears.

02:26When I was alone, Barb always found me and held me until I stopped crying.

02:30Not a day went by that I didn't tell her I loved her.

02:34Her friends would ask her what it was like to be married to someone as unemotional as

02:37me.

02:38She always gave the same response.

02:40You don't know him.

02:41You see a cold, logical guy.

02:43I see a warm-hearted person willing to do anything for his family.

02:47He gets angry like any man, but he doesn't shout and scream like some.

02:51Frank is quiet and seems even calmer.

02:54If you don't know him, you'd never guess he was angry.

02:56We became empty nesters and I liked it.

02:59Barb's libido seemed to increase and we became more adventurous.

03:02Even after all this time, my heart does a somersault when I look at her.

03:06I always took pride in being seen with her, but when she started taking more care of her

03:09appearance, I was doubly excited.

03:13That's why I didn't notice.

03:15At first I thought I was just more in love and desired her more, but the smell in our

03:19bedroom that Thursday night made me think, and I realized it wasn't that I was flirting

03:23more often, but that Barb was pushing me away more often.

03:28Barb never had a particularly strong sense of smell.

03:31Whereas mine was always keen, she didn't notice anything, but I picked up on everything.

03:35Some smells I loved like Barb scent.

03:38When I lay next to her in bed, other smells I hated, especially the smell of cigarette

03:42smoke.

03:43I hated how it clung to clothes and hair and lingered there.

03:47Spending an evening with a smoker was enough to leave my clothes smelling for days, so

03:50the smell here in my own bedroom alarmed me.

03:53I asked Barb about it, but she didn't smell anything.

03:56She said,

03:58I was imagining things I might have believed her if I hadn't smelled it again.

04:02The following Tuesday, I called Barb into the bedroom and asked her about it, but she

04:06again denied there was any smell.

04:09On Thursday the room smelled like air freshener.

04:12This raised serious suspicions.

04:14I walked to the window and sniffed the curtains.

04:17It was cigarette smoke.

04:18Again.

04:19This was serious.

04:20Someone was smoking in my bedroom and Barb was trying to hide it.

04:23There was only one conclusion to draw.

04:27It took me two weeks to put the pieces together, so two weeks later on Tuesday evening there

04:31was a confrontation.

04:32We were both sitting down to dinner and Barb had just started chewing a delicious piece

04:36of chicken.

04:37When I asked her who is he Barb, the sharp inhale caused her to choke violently on the

04:42chicken.

04:44I thought I might have to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

04:46She composed herself and I brought her a glass of water.

04:50Who is this?

04:51Who?

04:53She asked trying to bluff the man, you're letting smoke in our bedroom, who is he?

04:58I have no idea what you're talking about.

05:00What are you accusing me of?

05:01It's very simple, Barb.

05:04I'm accusing you of inviting a man into our bedroom and letting him smoke.

05:08I know it's true.

05:09I can smell him.

05:10You've lost your mind all calm and quiet and suddenly you're raging.

05:14You need to get your nose checked.

05:15There's no smoking man here.

05:17I stopped eating and stood up looking down at her.

05:20I pointed to my plate.

05:22By the way, the chicken is fantastic.

05:25I walked down the hallway to our bedroom, picked up a small round object and returned

05:29to the table.

05:30I went to the corner of the living room I used as an office and came back with a laptop.

05:35I sat down and resumed eating really superb, Barb.

05:38You should have some more what you ate, wouldn't feed a fly.

05:42I've lost my appetite.

05:43What's all this for chewing another piece of chicken?

05:46I wiped my mouth with a napkin and picked up the round object.

05:49This, my dear, is a Wi-Fi webcam.

05:52See the little antenna at the back?

05:54I left it in our bedroom.

05:56Today I approached my laptop.

05:59This as you know is my laptop and I assume you know it supports Wi-Fi.

06:03It can connect to the webcam wirelessly.

06:05Today I had a program running on it that records from the camera whenever there's movement.

06:09I wonder what it recorded today.

06:12Maybe a man smoking in our bedroom, possibly even sitting on our bed.

06:15Perhaps my dear wife lying next to him.

06:17Shall we take a look?

06:19Barb reached out and closed the laptop.

06:21No, I don't want to watch it.

06:24I don't want to.

06:25It's all true there.

06:26I've said it.

06:27Do you feel happy now?

06:30Happy you think I should be happy to find out that my wife entertained another man in

06:33my bedroom and lay there while he smoked in our bed.

06:35No, I'm not happy now I'll ask you again.

06:38Who is he?

06:39I can't.

06:40I can't tell you you'll want to hurt him.

06:43And if you do, you'll go to jail.

06:45I can't bear that I love you.

06:47Barb, I promise I won't touch him.

06:50So who is he?

06:51Do you promise you really promise you won't touch him?

06:53Barb.

06:54I gave you my word.

06:56I won't touch him.

06:57Have I ever broken a promise?

06:59She paused for a moment and thought.

07:01No, you haven't all right.

07:03Then everything is fine.

07:04I'll ask again.

07:05Who is he?

07:06Her head dropped and she looked at her feet.

07:08His name is Richard Bryant.

07:09He's a college student.

07:12I see in you as the head of student services we're just doing your job by servicing the

07:16students.

07:17That's inappropriate and beneath you.

07:19Frank.

07:20Okay, now all the cards are on the table.

07:22What are you going to do?

07:24Do you want a divorce so you can marry him?

07:26No, I don't love him.

07:28I love you.

07:29Don't leave me.

07:30Frank, please.

07:32Please don't leave me.

07:33And then what will you give him up?

07:35I'm not sure if I can.

07:36I'd like to say yes, but I won't make promises I can't keep.

07:40Can't we just let things take their course?

07:43I know it's just an infatuation and I know he'll get tired of me for God's sake.

07:46He's only 20 soon.

07:47He'll want younger girls and it will all be over.

07:51And if I don't agree, then I'll try to give him up.

07:53Frank, I really will.

07:55But the pull is so strong when he's with me.

07:57I feel so alive.

07:58I'm not sure I can do it.

08:00Frank, and I don't make you feel alive.

08:04It's different with you.

08:05Frank, being with you, I feel loved.

08:08I'm so proud to be with you, but it's not the same.

08:11Please Frank, please say you'll try.

08:13I really don't want to lose you.

08:15Can you try?

08:16Frank.

08:17Please.

08:18I don't know.

08:19I'll think about it and tell you tomorrow I stood up and began clearing the dishes.

08:22Are you serious?

08:23Frank, are you really serious?

08:25Will you think about it?

08:27I just said that, didn't I?

08:29Now I'd better start moving my things into the spare room.

08:33No Frank.

08:34I don't want that I really don't please don't move out.

08:37I have to Barb.

08:38I know how young men can be.

08:40He'll throw his tracks everywhere and I sure don't want to catch anything.

08:43I'll let you know tomorrow.

08:46I left Barb crying at the table and spent the rest of the evening moving all my things

08:50out of the master bedroom.

08:52The next evening, Barb made beefro enough my favorite dish, especially the way she made

08:56it once again.

08:58She barely touched her food, just moved it around on her plate.

09:01When I finished eating, she sat watching me until curiosity got the better of her.

09:05Well, have you decided?

09:07Yes, Barb.

09:08I have.

09:09Well, don't keep me in suspense.

09:11What have you decided?

09:12It's over.

09:13It ends right here, right now.

09:15From this moment on, you will have nothing to do with him.

09:17If he shows up at your office, you will send someone else to deal with him.

09:20Is that clear?

09:21Barb, it's over and you'll stay with me?

09:24Frank, will everything be like it was before?

09:28Maybe I don't know this has never happened to me before, but yes, maybe with time I can

09:32get over it.

09:34Frank, I'll try.

09:35I really will.

09:36You'll do more than just try.

09:38Barb, if you want us to stay together, you'll make it happen.

09:42God knows I love you more than anything, but I won't let you humiliate me.

09:46Will you move back into our bedroom?

09:47Not yet?

09:48If I'm in the same bed with you, I won't be able to keep my hands off you.

09:52I think we both need to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

09:56First, I'll make an appointment in the morning.

09:59I don't think there's anything to worry about.

10:01I'm sure he's clean.

10:02Nevertheless, we'll both get tested like I said.

10:05I know young people.

10:06I was one of them once.

10:07If he's sleeping with you, he's probably sleeping with someone else too.

10:11Frank, do you have to be so rude, just telling it like it is Barb?

10:15And afterward, when we're both sure everything is okay, I'll consider moving back in with

10:19you.

10:20Over the next month, things went well.

10:23Barb seemed more like her old self.

10:25She did everything she could to lure me back into the bedroom.

10:28She would change clothes when she got home.

10:31So by the time I arrived, she was wearing short skirts or very tight jeans with a very

10:34thin blouse, usually without a bra.

10:37In the evening, she would sit next to me on the couch, hug my arm and press it against

10:41her soft chest.

10:43At the end of the evening, she would look at me and say,

10:45Well, I'm going to bed.

10:48Don't you want to join me?

10:49I even began to weaken.

10:51I was determined to endure the entire three-month incubation period for HIV.

10:56But after just a month, I was no longer sure I could continue.

11:00I loved her as if there was no tomorrow.

11:03I desired her constantly.

11:04I'm not a religious man, but I prayed for her to stay away from him.

11:07Then my nose betrayed me again.

11:10She was standing at the sink, draining water from the vegetables she was wearing, jeans

11:13that must have cost a fortune, and a thin white t-shirt.

11:17Even from behind, I could tell she wasn't wearing a bra.

11:20At that moment, I lost control.

11:23I approached her from behind, slipped my hands under her arms, and began to squeeze her.

11:28She set down the pot, raised her arms to cover mine, and pressed herself tightly against

11:32me.

11:33Immim.

11:34Now, this feels like my sexy husband, she said.

11:37She leaned against me again.

11:39As she did, my nose caught her hair there.

11:41It was that smell cigarette smoke, the same cheap brand, if I wasn't mistaken.

11:46I stepped back.

11:48She looked slightly puzzled as I pulled away from her.

11:51What happened?

11:52I shouldn't be doing this.

11:53What do you mean?

11:55You shouldn't be doing this.

11:56You're my husband.

11:57For God's sake, if you shouldn't be doing this, then who the hell should?

12:01Sorry, I lost control for a minute.

12:04And that's good.

12:05I've been trying to make you lose control for the past month.

12:08I want you to lose control.

12:09I want my husband back.

12:11You really want me back.

12:12Do you really want that?

12:14She looked into my eyes, searching for something that could tell her what was going on.

12:17Yes, that's what I want.

12:19I've been telling you that for the past month.

12:21Are you sure?

12:22Are you sure you want me and not your young lover?

12:24No, of course not.

12:26I did what you said.

12:28I don't see him anymore.

12:30She was good, but not good enough.

12:32When she lies, she always takes off her wedding ring and I saw her doing just that.

12:36There was also a tremor in her voice.

12:39I need to think I'm going to leave for a while.

12:42Can't this wait until dinner is over?

12:44I'm almost ready to serve it.

12:45Just put it on a plate and cover it.

12:47I'll heat it up when I get back.

12:48I drove to the lake and sat there watching the windsurfers enjoying the evening sun.

12:53I stayed there until sunset, then drove back home.

12:56Barb met me at the door, took my hand and laid her head on my shoulder.

13:00Have you thought it over?

13:03I nodded.

13:04I wish you would sometimes let me know what's going on in your head.

13:07No Barb.

13:08I don't think you want to know.

13:10I ate alone.

13:12While Barb watched after dinner, I went to bed, leaving Barb to watch TV.

13:17The next day I was sitting outside the lawyer's office, waiting for them to return from lunch.

13:22The lawyer's office was right across the street from our local college.

13:26I was sitting there in my van watching the students come and go when I noticed a group

13:30of six students walking in my direction, more precisely five students and Barbara.

13:35They were all laughing and joking as they crossed the road and went into the pub on

13:38the corner.

13:40I must admit I didn't recognize her.

13:43At first she looked like one of them.

13:44I sat in the van watching the pub door, not noticing the lawyers and their secretaries.

13:50Returning to work, the sky clouded over and a light drizzle began.

13:54I stayed there for probably 45 minutes.

13:56When I saw her come out, she was alone and decided to run back to work to avoid getting

14:01wet.

14:02I crossed the road and entered the bar, seeing them all gathered around a table by the window.

14:07I bought myself a pint of old good and sat at a table next to them.

14:11The girls all got up and went to the restroom.

14:14Together I sat and eavesdropped on the conversation.

14:16Are you serious?

14:17Richie?

14:18Do you even want anything?

14:20How about something nice?

14:21Does she do nice things for you?

14:23I told you B.O. has anything at all.

14:25I'll have to start watching adult films to get new ideas.

14:29And what are you going to do with her?

14:30I mean, isn't she a bit old for you?

14:32She can more than keep up with me.

14:34Tell you what rich you can pass her on to me when you're done well, then take her

14:38Jones so you're going to dump her.

14:41Maybe depends on whether I can hook up with Stephanie.

14:44I'll give you 20 pounds for her for 20 pounds.

14:46You wouldn't even get a night.

14:48Jones.

14:49Hey, here's an idea I could rent her out.

14:52They all laughed as the girls returned.

14:55What's so funny?

14:56Asked one of the girls.

14:57Richie is thinking about renting out his.

14:59Milf said the one called Jones don't be so cruel, said another girl.

15:03I think Babs is wonderful.

15:04I wish my mom were like her and I wish I had boobs like hers, said the first girl.

15:09I can't believe she found anything in you, Richie.

15:12She likes my big tool.

15:13Her old man can't get it up anymore.

15:15They sleep in separate rooms.

15:17I felt a surge of anger and immense sadness.

15:20How could this jerk for whom she risked so much treat her with such disrespect?

15:25I wanted to sink my teeth into his throat.

15:27I wanted to castrate him with a beer glass, but I was held back by the promise I made

15:31to Barb.

15:32I won't touch him, I said.

15:34How could I have been so foolish?

15:37Throughout the conversation, Richie was watching the rain outside.

15:41Now I noticed him reach into his pocket and pull out a pack of cigarettes.

15:45As he took out his lighter, Jones spoke up.

15:49You can't smoke in here, buddy.

15:51It's against the law.

15:52Well, I'm not going outside.

15:55It's raining.

15:56I need a cigarette and if people don't like it, they can go to hell.

16:00I took my beer and moved to the bar counter.

16:02Despite all my efforts, my eyes were wet.

16:05I wiped one eye when the owner approached.

16:08You okay, buddy?

16:09What?

16:10Oh, yes, yes, I'm fine.

16:14Just the cigarette smoke.

16:15It always makes my eyes sting.

16:17The owner looked around the bar.

16:19Richie was trying to hide the cigarette in his clenched hand, but the rising smoke gave

16:23him away.

16:24All right, you all need to leave.

16:27Richie quickly put out the cigarette and showed it to the owner.

16:29Okay, no need to panic.

16:31Don't get riled up, all right.

16:34Not getting riled up is good.

16:36Richie, said Jones looking at the owner's bald head.

16:39I didn't tell you to put it out.

16:41I told you to get out now you have 10 seconds before I let the dogs loose.

16:44He started counting down from 10 fine.

16:47We're leaving.

16:48I never liked this damn pub anyway.

16:51In that case, you won't want to come back here and that's good because you're all banned

16:54now.

16:55Get out of my pub.

16:57As they were leaving, Richie gave the pub owner the finger and one of the girls groaned.

17:02This is all your fault.

17:03Richie, where are we going to go now?

17:06They reached the door, looked at the rain and ran back towards the college.

17:11I'm very sorry, sir.

17:12Now can I top off your pint?

17:14No, thank you.

17:15I should be the one apologizing.

17:17I didn't mean for you to lose customers like that.

17:19I can do without customers like that.

17:21They come here with an older woman.

17:23I think that jerk is probably sleeping with her anyway.

17:26They all live off her and when she leaves they make sure their drinks last all day.

17:31I feel sorry for her.

17:32She seems nice pretty, isn't she?

17:36Well let's just say I wouldn't climb over her to get to you if you catch my drift.

17:39So what makes you feel sorry for her?

17:43Well I'm not qualified or anything but in this job you see life.

17:46In my opinion, she's desperately trying to recapture her youth.

17:50She seems nice and she's married, so some poor guy is probably drowning his sorrows

17:54in beer because of this.

17:56But she comes in and sits with these guys, laughing and giggling like she's one of them.

18:01You've probably heard how they talk about her when she leaves to them.

18:04She's just easy prey.

18:05It will all end in tears and she'll be the only one hurt.

18:09Not that I don't believe you but why are you so sure?

18:13As I said it's my job.

18:15You see everything and I've seen it all before.

18:18If she's lucky when this little shorty is done with her, it'll be a wake-up call and

18:21she'll try to fix things with her husband.

18:24More likely she'll get so caught up in the feeling of being young again that she'll start

18:28looking for another young guy.

18:30Believe me it's just as addictive as those cigarettes that teenagers think they have

18:33to smoke.

18:35Eventually she'll be going to bars, offering herself to any young man who seems even a

18:38little bit interesting to her.

18:40It's really sad.

18:41You sound like an experienced man.

18:43He leaned forward so that his mouth was close to my ear.

18:47Why do you think there's no wife here?

18:49When he pulled back, I saw sadness in his eyes.

18:52He seemed like a decent guy and it pained him to even talk about it.

18:56He looked down at my glass.

18:58Now sir, will you have another one?

19:01No thank you my lunch break is over.

19:03I'd better get back to work.

19:05Thanks for the conversation.

19:07The pub owner had certainly given me something to think about.

19:10Could I live with?

19:11This situation is Barb hooked.

19:14She had already lied to me so maybe she is that evening.

19:17Barb sat on my lap.

19:18She writhed on me.

19:19Little Frank felt the tightness of my pants.

19:22She took my hands from the sides and placed them between her legs.

19:25I pulled my hands back to her hips.

19:27How is little Dick doing these days?

19:30For a moment.

19:31I hesitated before she answered honestly.

19:33I don't know Frank.

19:35I haven't talked to him in oh probably four weeks.

19:37She was good.

19:39If I hadn't seen it all myself.

19:41I might have believed her.

19:42So you have eight weeks left.

19:45And after that maybe we can get back to a normal life.

19:48Do we really need to wait?

19:50Frank.

19:51I'm sure we'll be fine if you're really worried you can always don't even think about it.

19:55Barb.

19:56I interrupted.

19:57I'm not going to take precautions just because he didn't.

20:00I pushed her off my lap and stood up.

20:02I went to my room and lay on the bed thinking I realized that she would never be honest

20:06with me.

20:08She needed me.

20:10She needed my stability like a rebellious child needs stable parents and then I understood

20:14that I couldn't be that stability.

20:16I couldn't watch her deteriorate as my friend in the pub described.

20:20I had to break up with her.

20:22The next two weeks I spent preparing to move out.

20:25I found a place to stay took some time off and arranged to borrow the company van.

20:30I realized that Barb used the room that used to be ours for her secret meetings.

20:34I decided to leave on Thursday after a minor confrontation with the lovers.

20:38I picked up the van and parked it in the garage.

20:41The morning flew by unnoticed and I only managed to pack my things and make preparations.

20:46The coffee pot stood on the gas stove waiting a little after 2 in the afternoon.

20:50Barbara's car pulled up to the house.

20:52I watched as they approached the front door.

20:54She had said he was 20.

20:56He looked more like 16.

20:58I opened the front door.

21:00Barbara's mouth fell open.

21:01I looked at little Richard from the way he approached the door.

21:04I could tell he was scared.

21:06Barbara almost had to drag him through the door.

21:08What are you doing here?

21:10Frank.

21:11I could ask you the same.

21:14I thought it was over.

21:15At least she had the decency to blush.

21:18I'm sorry Frank.

21:19I really tried but I just couldn't resist.

21:22Eventually I had to talk to him and then you can guess the rest.

21:25I'm sorry Frank.

21:26Truly sorry.

21:27But we can get through this.

21:28I know we can go back to work.

21:29We can talk about it tonight.

21:31I want to talk to him.

21:32To your lover.

21:33I mean.

21:34Frank.

21:35Do you really think that's wise?

21:36I mean it will only embarrass you.

21:38Barb.

21:40If a man is going to come into my house, smoke in my bedroom and sleep with my wife, the

21:43least he can do is sit and talk to me.

21:46Does this mean what I think it means?

21:48Frank.

21:49You really don't mind.

21:50Nobody.

21:51Said I don't mind but you know.

21:54I don't want to see you unhappy so I'll have to deal with it.

21:57I just wanted to meet him and you really promised not to hurt him.

22:01I already told you I wouldn't touch him.

22:03She walked over to him, took his hand and pulled him towards me.

22:07Frank.

22:09This is Richard.

22:10Richard.

22:11This is Frank.

22:12Hi Dick.

22:13Sit down.

22:14Have a cup of coffee.

22:15My name is Richard.

22:16Sir.

22:17It's nice to meet you.

22:18He extended his hand for me to shake.

22:21Well sorry Dick but I can't shake your hand.

22:24I promise Barb.

22:26I wouldn't touch you and I always keep my promises.

22:28I saw him fumbling in his pocket.

22:30He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, took one out and stuck it in his mouth.

22:34He took out a lighter and was about to light.

22:37It don't be an idiot.

22:38Richard.

22:39Those things will kill you and if you light up in front of me, I might have to do the

22:43job for them.

22:44It's customary to ask before smoking in a man's house and I don't want to end up smelling

22:48like an ashtray.

22:50Sorry sir.

22:51I thought it was okay.

22:52I mean.

22:53Babs said you wouldn't mind, well Babs was wrong.

22:56What happens in that bedroom between you two is up to her, but making me passively inhale

23:00your toxic smoke is not part of the deal.

23:03Clear.

23:04Yes sir, perfectly clear, with trembling hands, he put the cigarette away from what I understand

23:09you like cigarettes after sex.

23:11I don't get why you smoke those things.

23:13Don't you know the risks?

23:14Oh yes.

23:15I know sir, but they say if I quit for 10 years, the risk drops to zero.

23:21I figure, if I quit by the time I'm 30, I'll be clean by the time I'm your age.

23:25That's assuming you live that long Dick.

23:27Now drink your coffee.

23:29So what happens now?

23:30Dick, will you be able to support her as well as she's accustomed to you?

23:34Do plan to marry her right?

23:36I thought he would spill his coffee.

23:38So great was his shock at what I suggested, seeing his predicament.

23:42Barb intervened.

23:43You know very well we haven't even discussed that I am your wife and always will be.

23:47I see.

23:48So he's just a little fling on the side.

23:50Right.

23:51Barb.

23:52Stop it Frank.

23:53Either go back to work or we're leaving, we'll talk about this tonight.

23:56I turned again to the young man sitting at the table.

23:59Well Dick.

24:00I see.

24:01Barb is starting to get anxious.

24:02Barb began to fidget, shifting from foot to foot and wringing her hands.

24:06It reminded me of when my daughter was waiting for her first dates.

24:10Maybe she's afraid of losing you, or maybe she's worried about losing her place in your

24:13little group for the first time.

24:15I saw a hint of recognition in his eyes, as if I had just confirmed that we had met before,

24:20but he couldn't remember where.

24:22Nevertheless, it seems I should get back to work and leave you lovebirds alone.

24:27I must say.

24:28Sir, you're handling this very well.

24:30I don't think I could do the same.

24:32It's called love, son.

24:33I always swore I'd make Barb happy for the rest of her life, and that's exactly what

24:37I intend to do.

24:39Barb came over and hugged me around the neck.

24:41I really love you, you know.

24:43I said nothing.

24:44Barb started tugging at young Dick's hand.

24:46He began to get up.

24:47Are we done here, sir?

24:49Of course I said go and have fun.

24:51He stopped his Barb, pulled him away.

24:53Sir, may I smoke a cigarette?

24:57If Barb doesn't mind, then go ahead.

25:00The master bedroom was separated from the kitchen by a partition, just one cinder block

25:04thick.

25:05I could hear them giggling as they undressed each other.

25:08I went around, gathered the last of my things, carried them to the van and placed them with

25:12the rest, then returned to the house.

25:15I poured coffee over the flame on the gas stove and left an hour later.

25:19All my belongings were in my new apartment, and I went out for groceries when everything

25:23was unpacked and put away.

25:25It was almost six.

25:26I turned on the TV just in time for the news headlines.

25:29Right on points west, a house in King's Snort was destroyed by a powerful explosion, said

25:34the announcer.

25:35That caught my attention.

25:38I watched the national news and waited for the regional reports.

25:41The regional headlines were red, and then I saw it a street that looked very much like

25:44the one I used to live on.

25:46As the camera panned down the street, I saw two houses that looked very much like my neighbor's

25:51homes and between them a pile of rubble where my little bungalow used to be.

25:56Thank God for insurance, I thought A.

26:00Reporters stood in front of the camera delivering her story.

26:03Around 3 o'clock this afternoon, the entire King's Snort area was shaken by a powerful

26:07explosion shattering windows and homes throughout the vicinity.

26:11The homeowners, Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow, are believed to have been in bed at the time.

26:16Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

26:18A fire.

26:20Officer entered the frame and the reporter seized the opportunity to interview him so.

26:24Officer Reynolds, do we know what caused such a powerful explosion?

26:28Is it related to terrorism?

26:30We have found no signs of explosives.

26:32Everything points to an explosive buildup of gas.

26:35I'm afraid people don't treat it with the respect it deserves.

26:38Leave a gas valve open for some time, and all it takes is an ignition source, something

26:43as simple as turning on a light or lighting a cigarette?

26:46I thought, can you say how the occupants died?

26:49We'll have to wait for the autopsy, but it appears to be from the explosion.

26:53The reporter finished her piece on camera and I turned off the TV.

26:56I took out my laptop and turned it on.

26:59Barb's face looked at me, and for the first time in many years.

27:02I dissolved into tears.

27:04I stroked her face on the screen.

27:07Forgive me, Barb.

27:10I couldn't let him do that to you.

27:12They say an addict has to hit rock bottom.

27:15I couldn't watch that happen to you.

27:17I'm sorry, Barb.

27:19I love you and I always will please forgive me.

27:21I sat like that for a little over two hours.

27:24The computer had already gone into sleep mode.

27:27I turned it back on, opened the browser, and found the phone number for the news channel's

27:31editorial office.

27:32Then I dialed the number.

27:33It took some time speaking with a few lower-level people before I reached someone who could

27:37make decisions.

27:38Hello.

27:39I said you just did a report from what's left of my house.

27:42Yes, the one on Exeter wrote.

27:44My name is Frank Bigelow and you just told everyone that I was dead.

27:48But I must tell you I am very much alive.

27:51I paused and I don't smoke.

27:53Thank you for listening until the end.

27:55See you in the next episode of Cheating Secrets.

27:57Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

27:59Goodbye.

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