Danijela came to the cinema for a meeting with the manager, who needed curtains repaired. Through the open auditorium door, she saw her husband, Marko, in the third row, his coat neatly folded over the adjoining seat. The film began at ten in the morning. An hour earlier, Marko had left home in a suit, saying he had a meeting with a new client. When he turned toward the door, both stopped waving before the greeting had truly begun.
He followed her into the corridor. He said the meeting had been canceled. Danijela asked why he hadn't called home, knowing she was free that day. Marko looked at the poster behind her and finally said he no longer had a job. He had been dismissed eleven weeks earlier. Every morning, he put on the same suit, went to a park, library, or cheap morning screening, then returned with a story about traffic.
Danijela didn't ask how he could have lost his job. She asked what they were living on. He had been spending their savings, transferring the same amount as his former salary so she wouldn't notice. He said he would replace everything once he found something new. Meanwhile, she had declined a large sewing job because he told her they didn't need extra money and it would be nice to rest together on weekends.
At home, they reviewed their account balance. Enough remained for a few months with careful planning, but less than Danijela had believed. Marko cried, ashamed not only of losing his job but of every story he had added afterwards. Danijela said she was sorry he had faced it alone, but he had excluded her himself. She didn't promise that trust would return with his first paycheck.
They agreed on separate amounts for personal expenses and a weekly review of shared obligations. Marko sought support for prolonged low spirits and began applying for jobs unlike his former title. Danijela accepted a new curtain order with a realistic deadline and price. When he offered to help, she gave him fabric to mark. She didn't employ him to conceal the problem, but because the work actually needed two people that afternoon.
His first new offer paid less. He came home in an ordinary jacket and showed her the contract before signing. Danijela read the hours and salary, then asked how he felt. He said he was relieved and afraid. This time, both answers were true. On Saturday, they went to the cinema together for an evening screening, and he kept his coat in his lap because the adjoining seat was occupied.