My wife called me immediately after I had typed “What would I do without you?”

Normally, I would type Otsukaresama (Thank you for your hard work) whenever she says she’s doing something for the family, but because I’m reading 26 ways of looking at a Blackberry today, I thought I would break away from my perfunctory and formulaic response.

My playful attempt at communication created a misunderstanding, though. She thought that I had expressed helplessness at the thought of her absence - that I wouldn’t be able to manage her two kids. However, I had meant to suggest how pivotal her presence is to my life. A love declaration of sorts.

After I clarified my intention, she ended the call, the brief moment of rekindled romanticism shattered like soap bubbles.