Great, Kathy is thinking, we finally have time to talk to each other, get back in touch with one another's lives, share our deepest thoughts about ourselves and our growing family.

Great, Rob is thinking, there's a rerun of Deep Space Nine on channel seven.

"I love you," says Kathy.

There is a long pause while Rob finishes flicking through the stations.

"I love you, too," answers Rob sinking back on the sofa.

And Kathy is thinking: What took him so long to answer? And why is he slinking away from me? I know. He's repulsed by my mere presence! I'm no longer attractive or desirable to him after bearing his children. I'm fat, Fat, FAT!

And Rob is thinking: I'm thirsty.

And Kathy is thinking: These last eight years have been wasted! We've become strangers. We're like two ships passing in the night - watching our lives become a joyless farce!

And Rob is thinking: I'm really thirsty. A Pepsi would be good. Yeah. With lots of ice.

And Kathy is thinking: He's getting up. Turning his back on me! Trying to ignore me! I am nothing but a breeder and a slave to him! I'll never do anything more for him ...EVER!

"Do your own laundry!" Kathy shrieks at the top of her lungs. "I will not be your low-paid serving wench!"

Rob tries quickly to think of the correct response. "Okay?" he says opening the refrigerator door.

"And make your own meals and iron your own shirts! You're not the knight in shining armor I thought you were!"

"Night?" Rob catches, pulling his head from the refrigerator. "Oh, good-night."

And Kathy is thinking: He can't dismiss me like that! I won't stand for it! I'm leaving him tomorrow - FOREVER!

And Rob is thinking, while sitting back down on the sofa: What more could I want? Nice kids, a great home, and a loving wife. I am a very lucky man.