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Maria clicked on the button and started to read the mail.

Dear Mrs Murphy

We are glad to inform you that we have accepted your manuscript. One of our editors will set up a meeting with you within the next week. 

Maria could hardly contain her excitement. She wanted to jump up and down, but felt bad because John had such a disappointment today and she didn't want to let him know that she might have a chance of publishing the book.  She would eventually tell him, but not before she knew for sure. 

She switched off her computer and went to the kitchen to make herself some tea. She could hear that John was still busy in the garage and she didn't want to disturb him. She washed her cup and went to bed. She was still reading when John eventually came to bed, looking much more relaxed than he did earlier. She had an urge to tell him her good news but instead she kissed him on the forehead and turned to switch off her nightlight. 

She lay in the dark, thinking about their future and eventually heard John snoring softly next to her. She sighed and turned on her side. Even though she was not unhappy, some excitement wouldn't kill her, and perhaps it was time for a change. She still didn't know exactly what she wanted, but she knew that her current lifestyle was not enough to sustain her as a woman. She loved John, but lately she needed more. There was an emptiness inside her that needed filling, and she honestly hoped that publishing her book would satisfy some of her needs. 

The next morning John left for work as normal and she stayed in bed longer than usual. Eventually she got up and made herself some tea and while she was busy drinking it, her phone rang. It was the call that she had been waiting for. She was invited to their offices the next day and after putting the phone down she felt terribly excited. She immediately made plans to go to the hairdresser, as well as buying herself a new dress for the occasion.

She knew that John would complain about her wasting money, but this was the one time that she didn't care. She had saved up a little money of her own and she was going to spend it on her hair and a proper dress. She felt that she deserved it, and after all she would be able to wear the dress to church afterwards.  

She made the hair appointment, and within an hour she was ready to leave. She felt overly excited when she walked into the salon. She sat down waiting for her turn, when a woman walked by with freshly done nails. Maria has never had her nails done, and stared at the woman in awe. 

She had to make a good impression, and she was sure that John would be excited for her too, so she booked herself for a nail appointment and it felt as if she was getting a total make-over. 

When she walked out of the salon three hours later, she looked like a new person, full of confidence and couldn't wait to show John what she had done. She went into the boutique next door and bought herself the most beautiful floral dress she had ever seen in her life. 

For the first time in many years, she felt like a princess. She decided to buy something for dinner, as she was not in the mood for cooking.  She bought a bottle of wine on her way home, and set the table and lit some candles.  She had a whole romantic evening planned for them.   

John looked very surprised when she opened the door for him, and he complimented her on her hair and nails. They had a very relaxed evening and for the first time in months Maria felt good about herself. Even John acted more lively and at one point they even danced when their song played on the radio. She felt young and alive, and she couldn't wait to go to the meeting tomorrow and hoped she had some good news to share when John came home. 

It was the most exciting thing that has happened to her in years, and she fell asleep with a smile on her face.      

-to be continued-

                   

                           

                          

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