I looked at him.
“Neither did I.”
Then I added, “But I’m not going to spend the rest of my life pretending everything is fine.”
He lowered his head.
And left.
I closed the door behind them.
Then locked it.
For the first time that morning, the house was silent.
But the silence felt different.
It didn’t feel threatening.
It felt peaceful.
The life I reclaimed
Over the following days, Margaret helped me organize my paperwork and prepare for the legal process.
I consulted an attorney.
Arranged for my accounts to be reviewed.
And made plans to protect the home and finances I was responsible for while the divorce proceeded.
I also spoke with my children.
That was one of the hardest conversations of my life.
Our son was twenty.
He listened quietly as I explained that his father and I were separating.
Then he asked, “Mom, are you okay?”
I felt my eyes fill.
“I’m getting there.”
