“I want a divorce,” Sarah declared.
At the time, John was engrossed in watching football and didn’t respond to his wife’s words.
Sarah walked over and switched off the TV.
“What are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?!” John shouted, then caught himself, made an effort, and said more kindly, “Sorry. It’s just such an important moment in the match.”
“I’m sure it’s not more important than what I just said.”
“What did you say?” her husband asked, realizing he hadn’t listened to her once again.
“I’m filing for a divorce.”
John’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, ‘divorce’? Why? I thought everything was fine with us.”
“You thought so.”
“Wait… Yesterday we went to the theater, the day before I brought you flowers, last week we went to the cinema. Just the way you like…”
“Yes, but all of that happened for the first time in seven years of marriage. And I even know why.”
“Why then?!” John began to get angry.
“Because I put the kids in nursery, got a job, started going to the gym, visited the beauty salon, changed my look, and made new friends.”
“What’s that got to do with this?”
“It has everything to do with it! You suddenly noticed that I’m interesting to others, that men pay attention to me, that I don’t need you like I used to.”
“Nonsense…”
“No, John, it’s not nonsense. Otherwise you wouldn’t be scared, you wouldn’t be trying to be attentive, offering compliments, giving flowers. Let alone the cinema and theater outings. That’s quite the effort for you!”
“I tried… Wanted to make you happy… Hold on, is that why you want a divorce?”
“Yes. I don’t want to live like this anymore. You’re pretending to be a loving husband now, but where were you when I was pregnant, when I gave birth to our kids, when I was up at nights? You never helped with anything! You were only there in a symbolic sense. You came, ate, slept. I can count on one hand how often you held the kids!”
“I was working, after all!” John jumped up in outrage, “to support you all!”
“Working, yes. But not just for us – for yourself too. And you had weekends, but you preferred to spend them with friends.”
“I have the right!”
“I never had weekends,” Sarah continued, ignoring her husband’s comment, “though the kids… they’re yours too. But that was the last thing that concerned you. I can still hear your words: ‘I gave you money, what else do you want?’ I wanted… I wanted someone who was reliable and close. Someone to support me. Not just financially, but emotionally too. Someone who would care, in the end.”
But you weren’t interested. You lived your life, one that didn’t include me or our children…”
“You’re exaggerating.”
“I’m not exaggerating. Do you even know which nursery they attend? We take nearly forty minutes to get there. In the morning! By public transport! Meanwhile, you drive to work alone in your car like a lord. And it takes you just twenty minutes. Yet, you never offered to take the kids.”
“You never asked,” John grumbled.
“Why should I have to ask? There are things that a loving husband and father do without being asked. It goes without saying. But not in your case, because love wasn’t involved. Never was…”
“You’re painting me as some kind of monster…”
“No, John, you’re not a monster. You’re just a stranger to me now. Or maybe you always were.”
“To me, perhaps, but what about the kids? What are you going to tell them? How will you explain?”
“Oh, save it!” Sarah laughed, “They’ve only just started recognizing you on the streets! So I’m not worried about that.”
John couldn’t find anything to say. Partly Sarah was right, but you could also see his point of view: he’s a man, and she’s a woman and should know her place, looking after the home and the children. John’s father always said so. And his mother agreed. But for some reason, Sarah’s dissatisfied…
“How are you going to live on one salary with two kids?” John went on the offensive, “As far as I’m concerned, I’m not giving you a penny!”
“Oh, you will,” Sarah replied calmly, “Child support hasn’t been canceled. And we’ll divide the assets we’ve accumulated over seven years, though there’s not much to divide. Still, the fridge is more necessary for me and the kids than for you. And knowing you, I’m sure you’ll cling to it just to hurt me. So everything will be settled through court. Thankfully, we don’t own the flat. By the way, you can stay here. I’ll rent another place for me and the kids.” (Saying this last part, Sarah paused slightly, hoping deep down that John would refuse and offer to move instead, saying that his wife and kids could stay where they’re used to… But John didn’t say anything like that), “… I’ve already found a suitable place not far from the nursery.”
“Good riddance then!” John couldn’t listen to Sarah any longer, “As if you’re the Queen of Sheba! Planned it all out, did you?! Forgot anything? What about the car? You’re not having it!”
“I’m not asking for it,” Sarah smiled, “I don’t need it.”
“And why the sudden generosity?! John couldn’t stop himself, “Got yourself another ride, did you?! Come on, admit it: how long have I been wearing the cuckold’s horns? You’ve sure become bold!”
“Not surprised,” Sarah remained completely calm, “I expected to hear something like that.”
“Don’t you understand?” John rushed to his wife, grabbed her shoulders, and started shaking her, “Who needs you with two kids?! Let’s forget all this nonsense you’ve been saying? We can live together like we used to. I promise I’ll change!”
“Like we used to? Not a chance,” Sarah replied firmly, “That’s not happening.”
“But why?!” John wasn’t shouting; he was roaring at the top of his lungs.
“Because I no longer love you,” Sarah replied.
John was taken aback, panicked internally, and then, realizing further discussion was pointless, agreed, “If that’s how it is, go ahead, file for divorce.”
They divorced six months later. Everything happened just as Sarah had planned.
Now she lives with the kids near the nursery, and her weekday mornings are much more peaceful.
On weekends, she’s a truly free woman! That’s because the ex-husband takes the kids to his place! He takes them around town, entertains them at his home, plays games with them, and even cooks!
And who can understand these men?
While married, neither wife nor children seem important. They’re just part of the package.
After the divorce, they find time for their kids and almost become the best dads in the world…
