“I’m really glad we’re doing this.” Zack’s knees graze her thighs. Suhani shifts her legs so that their ankles are crossed. It’s her favorite way to sit with him when they’re next to each other.

“Me, too,” Suhani says, relishing the ease and familiarity of being in her husband’s presence. In her daily autopilot mode, she often forgets to appreciate things like this. They need these moments that remind them of who they are at their core. Just hours ago, she was worried about the lack of quality time they’ve had lately, and now she’s filled with faith that they will be okay. Like hearts, marriages can shift their shapes, contract, and relax.

“So, tell me everything. Were you able to tell Dr. Wilson about your plan for the women’s mental health clinic? What did he think? How did you feel?” Zack taps his palms against the bar in the rhythm of a drum roll.

Suhani gives Zack a rundown of her meeting. They order another round of cocktails from the large chalkboard menu above the bar while Zack goes through a recap of his day. He explains some of the intricacies of advertising campaigns and funding rounds, stuff that’s like a foreign language to Suhani. Zack doesn’t ever say it, but one trip to his office told Suhani that his company is doing well, well enough to have a fancy coffee machine; fridge stocked with sparkling water, beer, and wine; catered lunch every Wednesday; and regular features on Business Insider’s site.

After the bartender brings them a bowl of chips, Zack turns to her and says, “So, I’ve been thinking about everything that’s been going on between us.”

Suhani nods. “I have, too.”

He sighs. “I’m worried you’re not happy, that I’m not making you happy.”

“That’s not true at all. Of course you make me happy.” Suhani squeezes Zack’s hands, his perfect, smooth hands, one of the first things she noticed about him when they met. His platinum wedding band is cool against her palm. “I’m so sorry I’ve been tired and stressed and just overwhelmed.”

“I have, too,” Zack says. “Both of our jobs are crazy. But you just seem, I don’t know, somewhere else these days. Natasha said you were like this sometimes when y’all were growing up.”

“You talked to Natasha about it?” Suhani asks.

Zack nods. “She understands. I mean, she knows you better than anyone. And she sees it, too, being at our place.”

Suhani drifts to the past months. Despite her professional accomplishments, in many ways, residency has made her someone she isn’t proud of. Someone rushed and frantic, someone who misses holidays and weddings and her husband’s work events.

“Hey,” Zack says, reading her face. “I really think it’ll be better this year, with your schedule giving you some more space to just relax.”