The husband of Edith wouldn’t let her have her dream vacation in Paris! In order to reach her goal, she lived cheaply and saved for forty years.
Edna Dalton had wanted to visit France ever since she was a little girl. After she reluctantly said yes to Hank’s marriage proposal, she had said she would have loved a honeymoon in Paris, but her new fiancé had let her down.
He had laughed when he said “France.” Are you kidding me? I need a new car more than a vacation. Dream all the time!”
Edith had been married for forty years, but she still had dreams. Now, her dream was finally coming true.
Elizabeth promised to go to France if it came to that, so she saved every penny she got for forty years. Edith kept studying French and learned as much as she could about French art, food, and society at the same time.
This was all done by Edith, who was taking care of three kids, working as a substitute teacher, and putting up with Hank. Even though Hank wasn’t a very nice person, he was honest, worked hard, and loved Edith and their kids in his own special way.
So the years went by, her children grew up, and Edith got older. During that time, she still dreamed of love and excitement. One morning, she woke up and knew it was either now or never.
If Hank and Edith kept gaining weight after retirement, they might not be as young and active for much longer. Hank was 67 years old and Edith was 72.
Edith thought their forty-year wedding anniversary would be a great time to surprise Hank, so she planned a party and called all of their friends and family.
Edith told everyone the news at the party’s peak. “Hank and I have been in love for forty years,” she said in a low voice. “I think it’s time for a second honeymoon!”
Edith smiled widely and gave Hank a big envelope with the words “Bon Voyage” written in big gold letters on it. Astonishment filled Hank as he finally tore the envelope open. He asked, “Tickets to Paris?” with a miserable face.
Edith almost jumped up and down with excitement. “You should have a great time, Hank!” she exclaimed. “The trip is five stars! Everything has been planned and paid for!” We leave in a week!”
While Hank wasn’t pleased, he knew he couldn’t complain in front of their family and friends, so he smiled and thanked Edith. He had never been anywhere else in the world besides Minnesota. He didn’t even know how to speak French.
Hangk didn’t like to see the world, but he wasn’t going to let Edith control him! As soon as they set foot on French land, Hank took charge.
He knew that Edith could speak French, but he never gave her a chance to use it. Hank spoke loudly to them because he thought that would help them understand better.
They weren’t having a bad time when they were in Paris. The City of Lights was the centre of the world, and English was always spoken there. When they got to the south of France and started driving, things got harder.
Hank thought he understood everything wonderfully, but the GPS was in French, even though Edith had made great plans to rent a car. Because of this, they took a few unplanned turns and got lost.
Hank wouldn’t tell Edith what to do when she asked him for help. “Edith, we’ve been getting by just fine without all that French-language nonsense,” Hank said with a haughty air.
They finally got to a beautiful walled town near Toulouse that afternoon, after a long drive. There was a reservation for Edith at one of France’s best places with a Michelin star.
Edith couldn’t wait to try the chef’s famous dishes, which were so popular that bookings had to be made months in advance. Hank didn’t like it.
“I want to know what this has that a grill doesn’t!” With a loud snort, Hank made Edith feel bad, and she turned red.
“One of the best chefs on the planet, Hank…” Edith began to speak.
As soon as Hank realised he was bothering Edith, he raised his voice even more and said, “I think you were fooled.” What is “best?” I need to know how much this takes away from us.
A small tray of amuse-bouches and the menus were brought over by the server at that time. Hank looked over the food. Naturally, it was in French. The only thing Hank could figure out was the prices next to each meal.
Edith said, “Hank.” “Could I translate for you?”
Hank glanced at her from the side. “Certainly not. He said in a cold voice, “I can place my own food order!” His finger was on a menu item as he asked for the service. Saying, “This one!”
After learning what he wanted, Edith decided to step in. “Take a listen, Hank. Maybe…”
Hank spoke and said, “I know what I want, Edith.” “Merely look after yourself!” He also said, “Bring us some wine!” and winked at the waiter.
Edith said, “Hank, it’s ‘vin.’ Vino is Spanish.”
“Don’t argue with me!” Hank was very angry. “This man will speak Spanish or anything I want for these prices!”
That’s why Edith put her own food order in perfect French while they waited for theirs. Even though he had ordered some kind of dark stew, Hank looked a little grumpy when he saw the tasty snacks they gave Edith.
Although he didn’t really like it, he was annoyed to see that Edith was savouring every bite as if it were divine power. She would see what he meant. By waving his hand, Hank pushed in all of the stew.
“You there!” he yelled at the dapper waiter. “Give me additional!”
It was just Edith saying, “Hank.” “I don’t believe you can ask for more…”
“Look at these costs!” Hank laughed meanly. “Give me seconds made of gold!” It confused the server, but he went into the kitchen and came back with a big bowl of stew.
Hank slammed his lips together and used a piece of bread to soak up the sauce as he ate the second plate. “Edith, precisely what is wrong? He asked with a sneer, “Am I making you feel bad?”
Elizabeth smiled. She replied with a soft smile, “Not at all, my dear.”
Shortly after Hank was done, the waiter came back with a fat guy wearing a chef’s hat. The man’s English had a strong accent. “Sir, are you the brave American?” “I’d like to shake your hand.”
Standing up, Hank smiled and pumped his fist at the cook. “Hello there!” That’s really kind of you! But how do you know I’m brave?”
“Because no American has ever eaten my goat-testicle stew and asked for more!” the cook said with a smile.
After feeling strangely green-gray, Hank rushed to the door. Edith couldn’t hold back her laughing and was glad he wasn’t there anymore. After taking care of herself, she went outside and saw Hank leaning against the car. irritable and sick.
“Hank, are you all right?” She asked softly.
Who are you? Hank suffocated. “You Did Know…”
Edith said, “I’m sorry, Hank,” in a sweet voice.”But you said you knew what you were doing, so I believed you…”
The next day, Hank and Edith continued their tour of La Belle France. From then on, though, he always looked to his wife for help with everything and asked her to translate every meal.
Hank was a different person when they got back to the U.S. He was a loving husband who paid attention to his wife. He clearly knew what he did was wrong.
In what ways can this story teach us something?
People who are smart are never afraid to admit they don’t know something. Hank was mad that Edith knew something he didn’t, so he was eager to show that he didn’t need her.
Be humble; being cocky always leads to bad things. Hank had the worst meal of his life because he was too proud to listen to Edith’s advice.
