She still hadn’t arrived. Lately his workload had increased, and he was staying later and later.
Sofia put the children to bed and walked to the kitchen for a cup of tea. Fernando was still missing. These days he was overloaded with work and often worked past midnight.
Sofia felt sorry for her husband’s exhaustion and tried to shield him from household worries, since he was the family’s sole provider. When they married, they agreed that Sofia would handle the home and any future children, while Fernando would secure the familys finances. They soon had three children in a row. Fernando was delighted with each one and kept saying he wasn’t planning to stop there.
But the endless childcare left Sofia exhausted, and she decided to pause any thoughts of having more kids.
Fernando came home after midnight, in a somewhat cheerful mood. When Sofia asked why he was so late, he replied:
Sweetheart, we were swamped with the guys and decided to unwind a bit.
Ah, my dear, Sofia smiled. Come, Ill make you something to eat.
No need. Well just nibble some tapas. Im heading to bed.
Mothers Day was approaching, and Sofia asked her mother to look after the children so she could go to the mall. She wanted to celebrate with a special romantic dinner for the two of them. Her mother agreed to take the kids to her house.
Besides food and gifts, Sofia decided to treat herself. It had been a long time since she bought anything for herself, and she felt embarrassed asking Fernando for money for new clothes, since there was nowhere to wear them. The last outfit shed bought was a comfortable home dress, not suitable for the evening she imagined.
She entered a clothing store and selected several dresses. While trying on the second one, she heard the familiar voice of her husband from the adjoining fitting room:
Mm, I cant wait to take this off you!
A feminine giggle answered:
Patience, you rogue! Better go back and pick something for your wife.
Why? Shes buried in the kids and they dont care what she wears as long as she feeds and looks after them. Ill get her a coffee maker or a blender; thatll make her happy!
Sofia felt as if a cold bucket of water had been poured over her. Silently, she kept trying on clothes while eavesdropping through the wall.
What if she asks where you spent all that money? A coffee maker or a blender isnt that pricey the woman laughed.
Why should I explain how I spend MY money? I work, she stays home doing whatever she wants! I give her an allowance for the house and thats enough. She should be grateful!
When the fittingroom session ended, the voices faded. Sofia peeked cautiously. At the checkout, Fernando stood with a blonde woman, paying for the purchases. He kissed her on the lips, oblivious to the clerks stare.
Everything alright, miss? the saleswoman asked, noticing Sofia still inside the fitting room, frozen.
Yes, fine! Sofia hurriedly replied, handing the dresses to the clerk. Ill take them all.
Back home, after seeing her mother off and putting the children down for a nap, Sofia lingered, pondering her next move. She hadnt expected such betrayal from Fernando. More than the infidelity itself, what hurt was his blatant disregard for everything she did for the family.
She wanted to run, file for divorce on the spot, but forced herself to calm down and think.
Ill ask for divorce and hell leave with his blonde, leaving me and the kids with nothing. The alimony? Just crumbs How will we survive?
That night Fernando didnt stay late working. Hes satisfied for the evening, Sofia thought coldly. Her feelings for him had evaporated; he was a stranger now. She only feared he might seek intimacy, which she could not return. The idea repulsed her.
Apparently Fernando had already satisfied his desires with the lover and didnt approach Sofia.
The next day Sofia drafted her résumé and sent it to several firms and agencies, then waited. Days of uncertainty passed, each beginning with a check of her email. Finally a reply arrived: an invitation to interview at one of the citys companies. Ironically, it was the same place where Fernando worked. After much deliberation, she decided to go.
She asked her mother again to watch the children and headed to the interview. After nearly two hours of discussion with the companys management, she received an offer for a decent position with flexible hours. The salary wouldnt be huge at first, but it would cover her and the kids.
Sofia returned home beaming. Her mother, seeing her glow, began asking questions.
Mom, Fernando is cheating on me! Sofia exclaimed, a mix of joy and relief in her voice. Thinking her daughter was having a panic attack, her mother sat her on the sofa to calm her down.
Sofia, how can you say that? Fernando, cheating? Hes at work all day!
Hes not working; hes with his lover! Sofia recounted everything shed overheard in the fitting room. Her mother, after listening, asked:
What are you going to do now?
Im filing for divorce! And yes, I got a flexiblehour job. Ill enroll the kids in daycare, and once theyre all there, Ill go fulltime.
Go ahead! I wont stop you! You cant forgive such a betrayal. He no longer respects you. Ill help with the kids.
Thank you, Mom! Sofia hugged her, tears of emotion.
On March7, Fernando arrived home late again. Sofia didnt ask any questions, and he, startled by her indifference, tried to explain:
Sofi, we were swamped with work again but Sofia cut him off, telling him to go to sleep.
The next morning, while she served breakfast to the children, Fernando came bearing a gift: a blender.
Here, honey, to make household chores easier. He tried to kiss her, but Sofia stepped back, ignored the blender, and got up.
I have a present for you too.
Surprised, Fernando followed her to the hallway with the box in hand. Two large suitcases waited there.
Im filing for divorce! No more excuses. You can leave now!
How did you find out? Fernando whispered, bewildered.
In the fitting room, when you were picking a gift for your blonde. Give that blender to her; I dont need it.
Furious, Fernando snapped:
Youre angry because I have another woman? A beautiful, wellkept one, unlike you! Youve forgotten how to put on makeup, you live only for the kids and at my expense. Who cares what I buy with my money! Its my decision! Whats wrong with you is you cant stand me spending my money on someone else; youre selfish!
It doesnt make me angry, Sofia said calmly. Now leave.
The following day Sofia formally requested divorce and child support. A week later her motherinlaw knocked on the door, furious:
Youre opportunistic! You threw Fernando out and now want his money! Give up the alimony! He doesnt have to pay you!
He doesnt pay me; he pays his children, the ones he insisted on having, Sofia retorted. If he cant afford his lover, thats his problem! Those kids are his too.
What will you do without his money? You thought youd live off him forever! It wont work. Hell ask for a salary cut and youll get pennies! Youll be begging soon enough!
I dont think so, Sofia said, pointing to the door. Get out before I call the police!
She cursed him as she shut the door.
Months later all the children were in daycare. A month after the youngest started, Sofia began working fulltime.
Hello, a familiar voice called from beside her desk. Can we talk?
Im sorry, Fernando, Im swamped with work, she replied without looking up.
Maybe we could have lunch together? he persisted. Sofia lifted her gaze to see her exhusband, looking tired and gaunt. She knew the blonde had left him after learning half his salary would go to child support, but that no longer mattered.
No, Fernando. We wont talk or eat together.
