Antidote

 

He was travelling alone, on work, leaving behind his wife of just over a year. The first such travel since their wedding. And, to a much-sought destination. She was not very pleased he was going alone, but she wasn’t able to take leaves to accompany him; nor could she work offsite as her office had revoked those privileges with the New Year. 

The network was patchy and they couldn’t connect much over the day, as he slogged away. When at last he was back from work and chilling at the hotel, there was decent WiFi and he could talk to her. 

“Sweetie, the place is an idyll. We must make plans to come here on a holiday and just chill”. 

“Would love to, hon”, she cooed. 

“There are loads of mosquitoes though”.

“How are you dealing with them? You are allergic to their bites”. 

“Yeah, I forgot my repellant sprays too”. 

“Hope you don’t get too many bites. You’ll end up scratching and causing them to fester”. 

“True. I will be careful”. 

“I’m worried about you catching malaria or something”.  

“Don’t worry. I have taken precautions”. 

“How? You just said you didn’t carry repellants!”

“I’m having gin n tonic to keep infections at bay”

“What! You’re drinking alone. Plus saying it will help ward off mosquitoes”

“Sweetie, you forget. Tonic water has quinine. It’s the antidote for malaria!”

“Your sense of humour is asinine”, she retorted.