A Mistaken Congratulations

“I saw my boss, Michael, at a restaurant with his wife. Just the day before, he’d told us he was about to become a dad. So, I smiled warmly and congratulated his wife.”

The effect was immediate. Her face went pale, the restaurant’s noise fading into silence.

Michael gripped my arm, eyes flickering between us. Leaning in, he whispered, “She is not pregnant.”

His words landed like a quiet blow. I swallowed, apology catching in my throat. His wife’s eyes shimmered with unspoken sorrow, but she offered a fragile smile.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I jumped to conclusions.”

Michael’s voice softened but held something unspoken. “Thank you for your kindness. It’s a sensitive time.”

We sat in uneasy silence, the moment heavy between us. I excused myself and stepped outside.

The cool night air carried the weight of that moment—a reminder that kindness can sometimes mask assumptions, and behind calm faces may lie unseen grief.