She raised her eyebrows in surprise. The apartment was more than just square footage; it was her security, her history. “Sell it? Why, Mark? We’re happy here.”

He came up behind her as she was loading the dishwasher, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “I know, but I want more for us,” he murmured, kissing her temple. “I want us to be able to escape to the country, breathe fresh air, enjoy the peace and quiet. I found a beautiful house by a lake, not far from the city. Imagine, our own garden, a sauna, fishing right off our own dock… it’s a dream.”