A Matter of Timing

Sir —

On a first date I was asked what I was most afraid of. I answered honestly, and at some length, about the sea.

I was, of course, lying. And in the taxi home the truth made itself known, unprompted and at volume, in a manner I can only describe as editorial.

We have been married nine years. She has never mentioned it. This is the cruellest thing anyone has ever done to me.