It began as just another ordinary day with my usual tactic to get my forgetful husband’s attention. I typed out a text with a smirk: “Don’t forget to buy BREAD on your way home… and when your girlfriend Valerie greets you.” I’d learned long ago that unusual reminders were the only way to ensure Daniel actually read my messages.
His reply came faster than expected: “Who is Valerie?” I chuckled to myself – mission accomplished. “Nobody,” I texted back. “Just making sure you saw my message.” But then his next words made my blood run cold: “But I’m with Valerie right now. I thought you saw me?”
My hands started shaking as I fired back: “WHAT?? Where are you?!” When he replied “Near the bakery,” I didn’t even grab my purse – just ran out the door in a panic. The whole drive over, my mind raced with images of Valerie from accounting, the one who always seemed a little too friendly with my husband.
Bursting into the bakery, I scanned the room frantically – no Daniel, no Valerie. Just confused customers and the comforting smell of fresh pastries. My phone buzzed again: “I’m at work. 
Now that you’re already there… don’t forget the bread. 
”
The realization hit me like a ton of flour – he’d turned my joke into the perfect revenge. And then the final twist: “P.S. Valerie says hi. She’s the cashier here. Remember?” Of course – sweet older Valerie who’d helped us last Christmas. As I stood there flushed with embarrassment, I could practically hear Daniel laughing at his desk.
I texted back about getting him gluten-free bread as punishment, to which he replied “Touché. Love you. 
” Walking into the bakery to actually buy the bread, I had to admit – this round definitely went to him.
