After 47 years of marriage, I lost my teeth, stopped taking care of myself, and became an old woman who did nothing but housework. My husband no longer kissed me, and one day I overheard him saying, “I can’t live with this woman anymore.” But the next morning, I realized that after 47 years, I had never truly known my husband’s real character.

He remembered how much I’d once loved singing, dancing, and being around people.

“I want my wife to smile again,” he’d told her.

But another worry immediately crossed my mind.

“John, how can we afford this?”

He took my hand.

“For two years, I’ve been putting aside a little money every month. That’s why I’ve been working more often in my old workshop.”

I couldn’t believe it.

All this time, I’d thought he wanted to escape our marriage.

Instead, he’d been secretly saving money for me.

Still, something hurt deep inside.

“John, do you think new teeth will make me beautiful again?”

He looked straight into my eyes.

“Mary, do you honestly believe I loved you only because you had beautiful teeth?”

I lowered my head.

“You don’t kiss me anymore.”

He sighed.

“Remember the last time I tried? You pulled away and said you weren’t beautiful. I thought my affection embarrassed you. I’ve been waiting for you to come close to me again.”