My name is James. Im 65 years old. Ive been married for 34 years, but now, in the twilight of my life, Ive found myself falling for another woman. My wife, Margaret, is 62. We have an adult sonhes married himself and already has children of his own.
After our son grew up and started his own family, I noticed that Margaret and I became strangers to each other, really. The warmth and closeness we once shared seemed to slip quietly away.
When we both retired, I had this dream of us buying a cottage out in the English countryside; I always wanted fresh air and a bit of peace. Margaret wasnt particularly keen on the idea, but I persuaded her to go along with it. Before long, we purchased a lovely little placenot grand, but charming. That summer, we made the move.
I took to country life immediately, enjoying the slower pace, the sound of birds instead of cars. Margaret, however, never warmed to village life. She much preferred evenings curled up on the settee with a good book or catching up on her favourite telly shows. She outright refused to lend a hand in the garden, telling me she didnt feel up to it most days. It meant I had to manage all the chores by myself.
When autumn arrived, our house in the city welcomed us back. Margaret was relieved, delighted to be surrounded by the familiar hustle and bustle. I, on the other hand, felt stifled almost immediately. Within a week, Id packed my suitcase and headed back to the country on my own. Theres just something about the rolling green fields and the slower rhythm that feels right to me. Margaret stayed in London, and now we see each other only occasionally.
Out in the village, I met a woman by the name of Helen. Shes sixty. At first, she didnt pay much attention to my feelings. But these days, we get along wonderfully, and I find her company deeply comforting. Im at a crossroads now: thinking about divorce terrifies menot because of Margarets reaction, but because I have no idea how our son would take it.
At the moment, Margaret believes Im tending to the house and doing odd jobs. In truth, I am, but I spend far more time with Helen than I let on. Margaret has no idea. I cant seem to make up my mind about telling her that I want a divorce. I honestly dont know what I should do.
If theres a lesson here, perhaps its that life can surprise you, no matter how old you are. Still, Ive learnt that its no good hiding from your own hearteven when it upends everything you took for granted.
