I divorced my first husband many years ago. Oh, how he ruined my nerves! It took me a long time to recover from that marriage. He was unemployed, drank away my money, and took everything from the house.
I endured it because we had a growing son. But one day, when Matthew was twelve years old, he came up to me, looked me straight in the eyes, and said:
— Mom, why are you putting up with this? Get rid of him!
At that moment, it was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes, and without a second thought, I threw my husband out. The joy I felt was indescribable. Later, I had a few admirers, but I never planned any serious relationships. I was afraid of falling into a trap again.
The last four years have been especially difficult. My son moved to Canada for work and decided to stay there permanently. I don’t want to go there—it’s too late for me to adapt to another country.
The quarantine period was extremely hard—I had no visitors. And then, it became even lonelier.
— At least find yourself a friend so you have someone to talk to! – my friend urged me.
— You know, I look at people my age, and they all look terrible and weak. I’d be ashamed to be seen with them. Why would I need someone like that? Just to take care of them in old age? They don’t need a friend; they need a caregiver.
— Then meet someone younger. You look great!
That made me think. By chance, a man from the neighboring house started talking to me. Every day, he would walk his dog in the nearby park.
His name was James. He was divorced, his ex-wife had moved to Italy, and he had an adult daughter. He looked great for his 49 years. Just a reminder—I am 62.
We started dating, and he showed me such wonderful attention—he would bring me flowers almost every day. I didn’t even notice when he had already moved in with me. Everyone around was surprised that such a handsome and interesting man had taken an interest in me. I won’t lie—it was very flattering.
Every day, I cooked delicious meals for him, happily washed and ironed his clothes. But one day, he said:
— You could walk my dog. It would be good for you to get some fresh air!
— Let’s go together.
— Maybe we shouldn’t be seen together too often.
“Is he ashamed of me?” I thought. Then I realized I had become his maid. I decided to have a serious conversation with him.
— I think household chores should be shared equally. You can iron your own clothes. And walk your own dog.
— Listen, if you wanted a young and attractive man, you have to make him happy. What good are you to me?
— You have 30 minutes to pack your things and leave!
— What? I can’t—my daughter already moved her boyfriend into my apartment.
— Then you can all live together!
Without a moment’s hesitation, I threw him out. Though, to be honest, I felt sad. Is it really impossible for a woman my age to find true love? I long so much for tenderness…
