Infidelity in a marriage relationship can take on many different forms. Many people would argue the fact that unless you have sex outside of your marriage, you have not been unfaithful. Infidelity can be physical, flirtatious or simply an illicit relationship on the Internet.
In Kate Chopin's story "The Storm" Calixta and Alcee find themselves unexpectedly alone in her home. While the storm raging outside keeps her husband and son in town there is another storm raging inside the house. The atmosphere inside becomes just as intense and electrifying as it is outside in the elements. There is an underlying realization that they won't be interrupted until the storm passes and with this knowledge Calixta and Alcee succumb to a weakness they still feel for each other. .
While Calixta and Alcee are having their tryst, her husband Bobinot is waiting out the storm in an entirely different manner. While waiting for the storm to abate, Bobinot takes time out to purchase a can of shrimps for his wife; he knows of her fondness for them. The purchase was meant to assuage her, since he hadn't been home throughout the terrible storm. On his journey home he is composing apologies for having been caught out in the elements and being away from home. Upon his arrival Calixta's mood is pleasant and not what he is expecting. His wife showed concern for his health and safety, instead of being angry, which could have stemmed from her guilt. .
That same evening Alcee writes a letter of solicitude to his absent wife, Clarisse. He conveys how much he misses her and the children and encourages them to stay away longer on their holiday. Could Alcee's letter also stem from his own guilt? Clarisse is flattered by the charming words he has written to her. At the same time, she feels a sense of relief of not having to return straight away to married life. In both of these marriages the truth is kept well hidden and everyone is seemingly content.
