My name is William. Im 65 years old, and Ive been married to my wife, Margaret, for 34 years. At this stage in my life, I find myself in love with another woman. I feel completely at a loss as to what I should do.
When our son, David, grew up, got married, and started a family of his own, I realised Margaret and I had drifted apart. It was as though there was a void between us, something neither of us knew how to cross.
Once we both retired, I had this dream that we could buy a cottage in the countryside. Margaret wasnt exactly keen on the idea, but I managed to persuade her, and soon enough we found ourselves moving into a lovely little house that summer. I took to village life almost immediately I liked the peace and the slower pace, relishing the garden and the simple chores outdoors. Margaret, on the other hand, didnt care for it at all. She much preferred curling up on the sofa, reading or watching the telly, and would absolutely refuse to help me in the garden. She always claimed she wasnt feeling up to it, so the lot of it fell on me.
When autumn arrived, we returned to London. Margaret was over the moon to be back in the city, whereas I missed the countryside terribly. After only a week, I packed my bags and moved back into the cottage. It just felt like home to me. Margaret stayed in London. At this point, we barely see each other and thats when I met an extraordinary woman, Susan, whos 60 years old.
At first, Susan didnt pay much attention to my affections, but over time, we found ourselves growing closer. Now, the two of us get on extremely well. Ive been thinking about divorcing Margaret, but Im frightened about how David would take the news. For now, I tell Margaret Im busy keeping up the house, but the truth is, I spend much of my time with Susan.
Margaret has no idea yet. Im not sure if or when Ill ever find the right words to tell her I want a divorce. I feel torn and uncertain, caught somewhere between duty and desire. Looking back, I realise I should have spoken up long ago about my feelings, rather than let things slip away. If theres a lesson Im learning through all this, its that honesty with those you care about is worth far more than a quiet life lived in regret.
