My father is 60 years old, two years older than my mother. I am 30 years old myself, and I also have a child. I am an adult son of adult parents. At least, that’s what I thought. A few months ago, my father, a gray-haired but strong man, decided to leave the family. He wanted to divorce my mother.
I found out about it a few days later, and my first reaction was shock. How was it possible that my own father, who had never shown any inclination to do something like this before, suddenly decided to leave the family and the woman he loved? Was it because of another woman, infidelity, or a romantic relationship? What could have led him to such a decision?
I must say that our family is not poor. My parents managed to buy a house and a car. Of course, they are not foolish. I have always valued them for their common sense and ability to think logically—especially my father, who taught me what it means to be a real man. And now, I found out that he was simply tired of family life.
He did not have a mistress, but, as he claimed, he wanted something more. The responsibilities of marriage were limiting him, and at some point, it started to weigh on him. To my surprise, my mother was not upset. Not at all. After a few days, she invited my father for a serious conversation and laid out her terms. First, she told him that she did not agree to a divorce.
However, she allowed him to move out of the house for six months. But he could not take anything with him—not even the car. She told him that if it came to a divorce, she would win in court, and my father would only be able to take his old belongings from the garage.
But if, after six months, he returned and still wanted a divorce, she would respect his decision and sign all the necessary papers. A few days later, I met with him and saw that he looked happy.
Taking only a few personal belongings, he moved into a rented apartment. His salary was enough for him to live quite comfortably as a single man. I only learned much later what happened after that.
My father registered on various dating sites, went to clubs, and simply met women on the street. He acted like a college student. But every date ended the same way: women noticed his age and immediately asked about his financial situation. What could a man say when he was renting an apartment? He had no car, and while he had money, it was not always enough for everything.
Women, slightly younger than him but still close to his age, were not interested in flirting—they immediately wanted to know what he could offer them. His answers did not satisfy them. He went on three dates with one woman, but the last one ended when she showed up with two small children who had no one to stay with. She asked him to watch the kids at the park, feed them, buy them gifts, and so on.
After spending most of his money, my father apologized and said he had to wake up early for work. Four months passed. He grew tired of constantly doing laundry, ironing, and cleaning. On top of that, he still had to work.
Finally, he gathered the courage to spend his last savings on flowers and a gift, then went home. He got down on his knees, confessed his love, and even cried—just like in the best romantic drama.
My mother, of course, let him back into the house. For a while, they lived in separate rooms, trying to get used to each other again. But over time, my mother forgave my father. He invited me and my wife for a family gathering to celebrate his return. That’s when he told me everything. Later, I asked my mother a few questions.
Now they are together again. My father appreciates my mother, and he even cooks and cleans when he has time. He has become calmer and gentler. Everything has returned to normal. Now, I admire my mother’s wisdom and clarity of mind rather than my father’s actions. I hope he does not regret his decision. Life brings many unexpected events.
