My wife’s prank at our anniversary dinner pushed me over the edge. I abandoned her at the restaurant where we were celebrating and took the kids. Then, her mom’s shocking suggestion made me question everything about our ten-year marriage.

I adjusted my tie as we walked into Le Petit Chateau, the fanciest restaurant in town.

Fiona’s auburn hair caught the light, reminding me why I’d fallen for her all those years ago.

“Table for two, under Aidan,” I told the hostess.

She led us to a secluded corner, all crisp white tablecloths and flickering candles. I pulled out Fiona’s chair, hoping for a smile, but she was already reaching for her phone.

“Everything okay?” I asked as we sat down.

Fiona glanced up, startled. “Oh, yeah.

Just checking something quick.”

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. This was supposed to be our special night, but she seemed a million miles away.

The waiter appeared with menus. “Can I interest you in our anniversary special?

A bottle of champagne to start?”

“That sounds perfect,” I said, smiling at Fiona. “What do you think, honey?”

She was staring at her phone again. “Hm?

Oh, sure. Whatever you want.”

I sighed and ordered the champagne. As the waiter walked away, I reached across the table and gently touched Fiona’s hand.

“Hey, can we maybe put the phones away?

It’s our anniversary.”

Fiona looked guilty. “You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s just this new video series I found —”

I tried to keep the irritation out of my voice.

“Another prank channel?”

“They’re hilarious, Aidan! You should see some of these —”

I tuned out as she launched into a description of the latest viral prank. My mind wandered back to the past few weeks, and I felt my stomach tighten.

***

It had started innocently enough, Fiona showing me funny videos on her phone, and both of us laughing.

But then she’d started trying to recreate them at home.

There was the time she jumped out from behind the shower curtain, nearly giving me a heart attack. The fake spider in Nora’s lunchbox that made our daughter cry. The “broken” glass prank that left Callum afraid to touch anything in the kitchen for days.

Each time, Fiona would laugh it off.

“It’s just a joke!” she’d say. “Don’t be so serious!”

But I’d seen the fear in our kids’ eyes, felt the constant tension in my own shoulders. It wasn’t funny anymore.