When my husband told me he had a camping trip with the church group, I didn’t hesitate to help him pack.
I trusted him more than anyone, but when I discovered the truth behind his “trip,” I quickly put him in his place!
I always thought I hit the jackpot when I married Thomas. People at church called him “a godly man.” He led the Wednesday night Bible study, taught our children how to say grace, and volunteered every summer to run the youth camp’s obstacle course.
I believed he was perfect, until that fateful day.
See, my husband wasn’t just admired at church and in our community, he was revered!
He was one of those “model Christian men” who wore a modest wooden cross around his neck.
Said it reminded him to be a humble servant.
Even when he had strep throat and could barely talk, or had the flu, he still showed up for Sunday service—something he never missed—and sang with the choir like it was his final performance!
He even volunteered for youth ministry.
Our pastor once said he’s “a rock for young fathers.”
I fell in love with that dedication. Or maybe I fell in love with the illusion.
So, when he told me he was going on a weekend camping retreat with the men’s group, I didn’t blink.
The trip had supposedly been arranged by the church elders, a time for reflection, prayer, and brotherhood.
“It’s important for me to get right with God,” he said, packing his duffel bag while I folded our children’s laundry nearby.
“To strengthen my faith, reflect on fatherhood, responsibility, and how to be a better husband,” he added.
He kissed my forehead like he always did.
I smiled, genuinely, and helped him pack.
“This’ll be good for you,” I said. “Good for us. This is such a great example for our kids,” as I helped him put together a tent, hiking boots, sleeping bag, trail mix, Bible—everything.
He nodded and smiled back before we finished and went to bed.
The next morning, we woke up in a good mood as I prepared breakfast for the household, getting Thomas ready for his trip. When he finally pulled out of the driveway, he waved to our eight-year-old, Tyler, who waved back with a popsicle in one hand and a squirt gun in the other.
Maggie, five, squealed as Thomas leaned out and kissed her before driving off.
The day started like any other Saturday. I didn’t think twice about my husband leaving me with the kids until this happened.
Tyler burst into the kitchen sobbing!
“Mom!
My bike won’t move! I was gonna ride with Aiden, but the tire’s all flat!”
“Okay, okay,” I said, crouching down to dry his cheeks. “Let’s get you a snack, and I’ll pump the tire.
Sound good?”
He smiled lightly and nodded.
I never go into the garage; that’s Thomas’s domain. It smells like motor oil and cedar and has at least three fishing rods I don’t know how to use. There are random tools, wires, and more things that I don’t understand.
But that day, I opened the side door, stepped around a coil of orange extension cord, and froze.
I felt my stomach drop.
Stacked neatly in the corner, under a white bedsheet, was every camping item he supposedly took on the trip.
Tent, still in its packaging.
Sleeping bag, unrolled and folded.
Hiking boots, spotless in the same packaging I put them in.
Flashlight, with the price tag still dangling.
I felt a chill creep down my spine. Not a physical one, the kind that settles in your gut when something you thought was true… simply isn’t.
At first, I tried to rationalize it. Maybe he br
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