
I came home early from my business trip to surprise my husband. But instead of a warm welcome, I found him in the garden, drenched in sweat and burying a large black egg. He wouldn’t tell me the truth, so I dug deeper myself. What I found sent my heart racing.
I hadn’t slept in days. The Chicago business conference had dragged on, each presentation blending into the next until I couldn’t take it anymore. Three years of marriage, and lately, Ben and I had been like ships passing in the night, him with his investment banking and me with my consulting work. When my last meeting finished early, I decided to surprise him with an early return.

A smiling woman holding a cup of coffee | Source: Midjourney
“You’re really skipping the closing ceremony?” my colleague Linda asked, watching me pack my laptop. “The VP’s giving the keynote. Could be good for your promotion.”
I zipped my bag with finality. “For once, my marriage comes first. Ben and I haven’t had a real conversation in weeks.”
“Regina, putting love before career?” she smiled. “Must be serious.”
“It is.” I checked my phone, calculating times. “If I leave now, I can catch the 6 p.m. flight and surprise my hubby.”

A cheerful woman holding her phone | Source: Midjourney
“Go get your man,” Linda winked. “But text me when you land. These surprise returns don’t always go as planned.”
If only she knew how right she’d be.
The setting sun cast long shadows across our front lawn as I wearily pulled into the driveway after a long, exhausting flight. My hands trembled slightly as I killed the engine. The house stood quiet, warm lights glowing behind drawn curtains.
Something felt off the moment I stepped inside. The house was eerily quiet. Through the kitchen window, I could see dirty dishes in the sink — so unlike my usually meticulous husband.

A startled woman in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney
“Ben?” I called softly, letting myself in. No answer.
The house felt different somehow. Mail was scattered across the coffee table, including several official-looking envelopes marked “URGENT.”
A half-empty cup of coffee with a lipstick-like ring of dried coffee around its rim sat beside Ben’s laptop.

A cup of coffee near a laptop on a table | Source: Midjourney
Assuming he was holed up in his office as usual, I decided to check on my garden first. The tomatoes should have ripened by now, and tending to them would help me unwind after the flight.
But as I approached the garden doors and stepped into the backyard, I FROZE.
Ben stood in the middle of our vegetable garden, between the tomato plants he’d been so proud of just weeks ago. His shirt was stained dark with sweat and his sleeves rolled up as he dug into the earth like a man possessed.
But it wasn’t his frantic movements that made my blood run cold. It was the LARGE, OBSIDIAN-BLACK EGG sitting beside him.

A man holding a large black egg | Source: Midjourney
The thing was enormous, at least two feet tall, its surface gleaming like polished glass under the evening light. As I watched, frozen, Ben kept glancing at it between shovel loads, his movements growing more desperate.
“Just a little deeper,” I heard him mutter. “Has to be deep enough to bury this thing.”
My hand flew to my mouth. Was this really happening? I blinked hard, convinced I was hallucinating from travel exhaustion. But the scene remained unchanged — my husband, digging what looked like a grave for some alien artifact in our backyard.
“Ben?” I called out softly, careful not to startle him.

A woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney
He whirled around, shovel clattering against something metal in the hole. His face, usually so composed, was pale with panic. A streak of dirt ran across his cheek, and I noticed his hands were shaking.
“REGINA?” He shrieked, his voice trembling and loud. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”
“I came home early to surprise you.” I took a step closer, gravel crunching under my feet. The egg seemed to pulse in the lamplight, drawing my eyes. “Though I think I’m the one who’s surprised. What is THAT thing?”
“It’s NOTHING.” His words came too fast, too sharp. He moved to stand between me and the egg. “Reggie, just go inside, honey. You shouldn’t be here.”

A startled man holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney
“Nothing? Ben, I don’t think that’s ‘NOTHING.’ What is it? What’s going on?”
“I’ll explain later. Please go inside.”
“Later?” I gestured at the hole he’d been digging. “You’re burying something that looks like it came from a sci-fi movie in our garden at sunset, and you want me to wait for an explanation?”
Ben ran his fingers through his hair, leaving streaks of dirt across his forehead. His eyes darted between me and the street as if expecting someone.
“Please, Regina. Trust me on this. I’m just doing what needs to be done. I’m handling it.”

An anxious man holding his head | Source: Midjourney
“Handling what exactly?” My voice rose. “Because from where I’m standing, my husband is either having some kind of breakdown or—”
“I said I’m handling it!” The force in his voice made me step back. In three years of marriage, I’d never heard him shout.
“Fine.” I turned toward the house, tears stinging my eyes. “Handle it yourself. Just like you’ve been handling everything else lately.”
“Reggie, wait—” He reached for me, but I pulled away.
“Don’t. Just… don’t.”

A furious woman | Source: Midjourney
Sleep evaded me that night. Ben never came to bed, and the couch creaked periodically with his restless movements. Around 3 a.m., I heard the back door open and close. Through the bedroom window, I watched him check on the place where he’d buried the mysterious egg, pacing around it like a sentry.
What’s wrong with him? What is he hiding from me?
Morning came too quickly. I waited until Ben’s car disappeared down the street before grabbing the garden shovel. My hands trembled as I approached the freshly turned earth. I HAD TO DIG UP THAT THING!
“What are you hiding, Ben?” I whispered, pushing the shovel into the soft dirt.

A woman holding a shovel | Source: Midjourney
It took 20 minutes of digging before I hit something solid. The egg was surprisingly light when I unearthed it, though my arms shook with the effort.
Up close, its surface felt wrong — not like shell, but like… plastic? I twisted it slightly, and to my shock, it separated in the middle like some oversized Easter egg.
Empty. Completely empty except for more layers of black plastic.
“Regina?” Someone called out from behind.
I jumped, nearly dropping the egg. Our elderly neighbor, Mr. Chen, peered over the fence, his eyes fixed on the object in my hands.

A shocked woman holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney
“I saw someone in your garden late last night,” he said slowly. “Everything okay?”
“Fine,” I said quickly, hiding the egg behind me. “Just… gardening.”
His expression said he didn’t believe me, but he nodded politely and disappeared. I waited until I heard his door close before examining the egg more closely. The craftsmanship was impressive, but it was definitely artificial. What had Ben gotten himself into?
My mind raced through possibilities. This wasn’t just about a buried object. It was about Ben’s bizarre behavior and the way he was terrified when he saw me home early.
Something bigger was happening. Something that made my usually steady-handed husband dig like a madman in our backyard.

A puzzled woman holding a big glossy black egg | Source: Midjourney
With trembling fingers, I wrapped the egg in an old blanket and tucked it behind the lawn equipment in our garage. It was out of sight, but not out of mind.
“Think, Regina, think,” I muttered, pacing the concrete floor. “Maybe this was some elaborate joke? A midlife crisis? Or something far more sinister?”
I dragged myself to the car, hoping work might distract me from this madness.
The radio clicked on automatically as I started the engine. The news anchor’s voice cut through my fog of exhaustion, making my blood run cold:
“Breaking news: Local authorities have uncovered a massive counterfeit operation targeting antique collectors. The scammers sold fake antiques, including unique black egg-shaped plastic containers, to unsuspecting buyers. Total losses are estimated in the millions…”

A shocked woman driving a car | Source: Midjourney
My coffee cup slipped from my fingers, splashing across the dashboard. The pieces started falling into place. That evening, I placed the egg on our kitchen table and waited. When Ben walked in, his briefcase hit the floor with a thud.
“Reggie, I-I can explain—”
“How much did you pay for this thing?” I cut him off.
He sank into a chair, his shoulders slumped. “Fifteen thousand.”
“Jesus, Ben.”

A nervous man | Source: Midjourney
“I wanted to surprise you.” His voice cracked. “This guy at work, he said he knew someone selling rare artifacts. Said the egg was some ancient fertility symbol that would triple in value within a year.”
He pressed his palms against his eyes. “I used our savings. I was going to sell it and take you on that European trip you’ve always wanted.”
“The trip we’ve been saving for? That we’ve talked about for years?” My voice quavered. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“Because I’m an idiot who got scammed like some naive teenager. I was so ashamed.” He looked up, eyes red-rimmed. “Things have been so tight lately, with your mom’s medical bills and the house repairs. I just wanted to fix everything.”

An upset man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney
“By gambling our savings on some stranger’s promise?”
“I know, I know.” He slumped forward. “When I realized it was fake, I couldn’t face you. Couldn’t admit I’d thrown away our money on a plastic egg.”
“We’ll figure this out,” I said, moving around the table to take his hand. “But no more secrets, okay? We’re supposed to be partners.”
“I filed a police report this morning,” Ben added. “They said we’re not the only ones. Apparently, this guy’s been targeting young professionals and antique collectors, playing on their financial stress.”

An anxious man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney
I squeezed his fingers. “I don’t need expensive trips or ancient artifacts. I just need my husband to talk to me, even when things get hard. Especially when things get hard.”
“What should we do with it?” Ben gestured at the egg, still gleaming mockingly in the kitchen light.
I studied it for a moment. “Maybe we’ll plant it in the garden for real. Right next to those tomatoes you’ve been trying to grow.”

A smiling woman holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney
“As a reminder of what not to do?” A ghost of a smile crossed his face.
“As a reminder that the only thing we need to grow is our trust in each other.” I leaned against him. “And maybe as a conversation piece. ‘Hey, want to hear about the time my husband buried a fake artifact in our backyard?!’”
Ben’s laugh was shaky but real. “I love you, Reggie. Even when I’m an idiot.”
“Lucky for you, I love idiots.” I kissed his forehead. “Now, let’s figure out how to get our money back. Together this time.”

A man laughing | Source: Midjourney
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Detergent and Salt: The Dynamic Cleaning Duo

AuthorAvokadoReading4 minViews269Published by31.05.2024
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Do you ever find it difficult to remove stubborn stains or dirt from your home? You certainly didn’t expect our secret weapon, but we have detergent and salt combined! Although their dynamic pair may come as a surprise, together they are a formidable cleaning force. Let’s examine how you might take use of the amazing advantages of this peculiar combo in more detail.

1. Bid Farewell to Ugly Stains on Clothes
When you add a spoonful of salt to detergent, which is already a go-to for laundry care, its stain-removing ability increases dramatically! Salt works wonders as a mild abrasive to remove stains from cloth fibers. This concoction changes everything, whether it’s red wine, grass, or even blood. Just dab the liquid onto the stain, rub it in gently, and proceed with your regular washing. You won’t believe the amazing outcomes!
2. Easily Overcome Grease
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We all know that detergent works wonders to combat grease, but when combined with salt, the results are incredible! Salt’s abrasive properties make it easy to remove baked-on fat without harming your cherished equipment. With this potent combo, get ready to say goodbye to greasy pans, ovens, and stovetops.
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3. Replace Your Cutting Boards
Unpleasant odors and stains can occasionally cling to wooden cutting boards. But fear not! Take out the detergent and salt mixture, and you’ll have the answer quickly. Using this amazing mixture to scrub your cutting boards not only gets them clean but also removes stains and neutralizes smells. The scents of fish, onions, and garlic should disappear!
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4. Give Carpets and Rugs New Life
Pet stains, muddy footsteps, and accidental spills can cause serious damage to your carpets and rugs. But do not worry—the salt and detergent mixture will come to your rescue! These two strong ladies can remove those stubborn stains with ease. Simply brush the area with the mixture, vacuum or blot any leftovers. Your rugs and carpets will appear like new!
5. Restore the Glamor of Upholstery and Curtains
Light stains and a loss of luster can occur with drapes and upholstery over time. This is when the mixture of salt and detergent is useful. This miracle treatment will help you get rid of those annoying stains and brighten the cloth. Just don’t forget to check the fabric’s colorfastness with a patch test first. Prepare to be amazed by the change!
6. Unleash the Power of Grout and Tiles in Bathrooms
Are you experiencing headaches from mold, mildew, and soap scum in your bathroom? Rest assured, we have the ideal remedy: a blend of detergent and salt! These two can quickly put an end to your bathroom troubles. After applying the mixture and letting it set for a few minutes, use a brush to clean everything away. Prepare to be amazed by the immaculate, gleaming tiles that will transform your bathroom.
Finally, who would have guessed that salt and detergent, two everyday home objects, might be the ultimate cleaning superheroes? They are not only economical, but they also lessen the need for harmful chemicals, which makes them a green option. Thus, do not hesitate to use these potent components the next time you are faced with a challenging cleaning chore. They’ll improve the sustainability and efficiency of your cleaning regimen, leaving your house immaculate and you feeling successful.
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