I divorced my first husband many years ago. Oh, how he exhausted me! After that marriage, it took me a long time to recover. He didn’t work, drank away my money, and took things from our home. And I endured it all because we had a son growing up. But one day, when Matthew was 12 years old, he came up to me, looked me straight in the eyes, and said:
— Mom, why do you put up with this? Kick him out!
That moment was like a veil lifting from my eyes, and I threw my husband out without hesitation. What a joy it was—I can’t even describe it in words. Later, I had a few admirers, but I never planned for a serious relationship. I was afraid of falling into a trap again.
The past four years have been particularly difficult. My son moved to Canada for work and decided to stay there permanently. I don’t want to go—it’s too late to adjust to a different country.
The pandemic was especially hard on me—no one came to visit. And then, over time, the loneliness became unbearable.
— Find at least a friend to talk to! – my friend urged me.
— You see, I look at people my age, and they all seem old and frail. I feel ashamed to be seen with them. Why would I need that? To take care of someone in my old age? They don’t need a friend—they need a caregiver.
— Then meet someone younger. You look great!
That got me thinking. And somehow, it just happened that I started talking to a man who lived in the neighboring building. Every day, he walked his dog in the park near our homes.
His name was John. He was divorced, his ex-wife had moved to Italy, and he had an adult daughter. He looked great—a 49-year-old man, tall and charming. I, as I mentioned, was 62. We started talking, and he courted me so beautifully—he brought me flowers almost every day. I didn’t even notice how he had already moved in with me. Everyone around was surprised at how such a handsome and interesting man had taken an interest in me. I won’t lie—it was flattering.
Every day, I cooked delicious meals for him, happily washed and ironed his clothes. But one day, he said to me:
— You could take my dog for a walk. It would be good for you to get some fresh air!
— Let’s go together.
— Maybe we shouldn’t be seen together so often.
“Is he ashamed of me?” I thought. And then I realized I had turned into his maid. I decided to have a serious talk with him.
— I think household responsibilities should be shared equally. You can iron your own clothes. And walk your own dog.
— Listen, if you wanted a young and handsome man, you have to please him. Otherwise, what’s the point of you?
— You have 30 minutes to pack your things and leave!
— What? I can’t—my daughter has already moved her boyfriend into my apartment.
— Well, then go live with them!
I kicked him out without hesitation. Though, I admit, it was sad. Does a woman my age no longer have a chance to find true love? I still long for tenderness…
