My husband handed me an empty phone box for my birthday, and my mother-in-law used her new iPhone to capture my reaction. He thought it was funny until I put him in his place. It was my 40th birthday, a significant milestone that I had been planning for weeks. I arranged the house, prepared the meal, and invited relatives and friends. The evening began well, with laughing, music, toasts, and recollections. Everyone congratulated, hugged, and wished me happiness.

I was pleased until a single moment altered everything. When it came time for gifts, I was extremely excited. Deep down, I hoped my husband would gift me a new phone because my previous one had recently fallen into the sink, courtesy to our young daughter. Then he stepped up to me with a wide grin and handed me the much-anticipated orange package. On it is the logo of a well-known brand. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

— Go ahead, open it, — he replied, scarcely containing his laughter. With shaky hands, I lifted the lid. And froze. Inside, there was nothing. No phone, no instructions, and no charger. Just an empty box. My husband stood next to me, laughing loudly, as my mother-in-law recorded my reaction on her gleaming new iPhone – the one that should have been inside the box. — Funny, right? — he exclaimed, gasping for air in between laughter.

The guests became silent. An uneasy silence permeated the room. I felt a knot rise in my throat. But I didn’t want to create a scene. I mustered a grin and thanked him for the “original” present. Inside, I was seething. When the celebration ended, my husband, proud of himself, went outside to see the guests off. That’s when I started carrying out my little revenge plot. I did something that took the smile from his face.

I quietly gathered some of his belongings—toothbrush, a few clothes, charger, and razor. I gently wrapped them into a bag and set it by the door. Then I shut the door from the inside and turned the lights out. Several minutes later, he knocked. — Open up, what are you doing? “I forgot my keys!” he exclaimed, still chuckling. I stepped calmly to the door and responded, “You can stay with your mother.” She’s got the iPhone, the fun, and the camera going. In the meantime, I’ll consider if I actually need a clown in my home.

He stood outside, unconvinced I was serious. I sat down on the couch, poured myself a drink of champagne, and smiled for the first time all night. Sometimes the best present is to remind people that jokes have consequences.