She still hadnt arrived. Lately he was swamped with work and stayed out later and later.
Sofia put the kids to bed and walked to the kitchen for a cup of tea. Fernando was still missing. He had been buried in work recently and often came home late.
Sofia felt sorry for her husbands exhaustion and tried to shield him from household worries, since he was the familys sole breadwinner. When they married they agreed that Sofia would manage the home and any future children, while Fernando would take care of the finances. They soon had three children in a row. Fernando adored each of them and claimed he wasnt planning to stop there.
But Sofia was worn out by the endless childcare and decided to pause any thoughts of having more kids.
Fernando finally walked in past midnight, in a slightly cheerful mood. When she asked why he was so late he answered:
Sofi, we were tied up with the coworkers and decided to unwind a bit.
Oh, my poor thing! Sofia smiledI’ll make you something to eat.
No need. Well just snack on some tapas. Im heading to bed.
Mothers Day was approaching, and Sofia asked her mother to look after the children while she went to the mall. She wanted to celebrate specially with a romantic dinner for the two of them. Her mother agreed to take the kids home.
Besides food and gifts, Sofia decided to buy something for herself. She hadnt bought anything for herself in ages and felt ashamed to ask Fernando for money for new clothes, since there was nowhere to show them. The last outfit shed bought was a comfortable house dress, not suitable for the evening she envisioned.
She entered a boutique and selected several dresses. While trying on the second one, she heard her husbands familiar voice from the adjoining fitting room:
Mmm, I cant wait to take that off you!
A feminine laugh replied:
Patience, you rascal! Better go back and pick something for your wife.
Why bother? Shes buried in the kids, 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 a cold splash of water on her face. She kept trying on clothes in silence, listening to the conversation through the wall.
What if she asks where you spent all that money? A coffee maker or a blender isnt that pricey the woman kept chuckling.
Why should I explain how I spend MY money? I work, she stays home doing whatever she wants! I give her the household allowance 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, paying for the purchases. He kissed her on the lips, oblivious to the saleswomans stare.
Are you all right, miss? the clerk asked, noticing Sofia still in the fitting room, frozen.
Yes, everythings fine! she replied hurriedly, handing over the dresses. Ill take them all.
Back home, after seeing her mother out and putting the children down for a nap, Sofia lingered, wondering what to do. She hadnt expected such a betrayal from Fernando. More than the infidelity, it hurt how he dismissed everything she did for the family.
She wanted to run and demand a divorce immediately, but forced herself to calm down and think.
Ill ask for divorce, hell leave with his blonde, and Ill be left with the kids and no resources. The alimony will be crumbs what will we live on?
That night Fernando didnt stay late working. Hes satisfied now, Sofia thought indifferently. Her feelings for him had vanished; he was a stranger. The only thing she feared was that he might seek intimacy, which she could not return. The idea repelled her.
Apparently Fernando had satisfied his desires with the mistress and didnt approach Sofia.
The next day Sofia drafted her résumé and sent it to several firms and agencies. All she could do was wait. Days of uncertainty passed, each one beginning with checking 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 almost two hours of talking with management, they offered her a good position with flexible hours. The salary wouldnt be huge at first, but it would be enough to support her and the kids.
Sofia returned home beaming. Her mother, seeing her radiant, started asking questions.
Mom, Fernando is cheating on me! Sofia exclaimed, a mix of joy and relief. Convinced her daughter was having a confused episode, her mother sat her on the sofa to calm her.
Sofia, how can you say that? Fernando, cheating? Hes working all day!
Hes not working, hes with his lover! Sofia recounted everything shed heard in the fitting room. Her mother, after listening, asked:
What are you going to do now?
Im filing for divorce! And yes, Ive got a flexiblehour job. Ill soon put the kids in daycare and, when everyone can attend, Ill start working fulltime.
Go ahead! I wont stop you! You cant forgive a betrayal like that. He no longer respects you. Ill help with the kids.
Thank you, Mom! Sofia hugged her, thrilled.
On March 7 Fernando arrived late again that night. Sofia didnt ask him anything, and he, surprised by her indifference, tried to explain:
Sofi, we were all swamped with work again but Sofia cut him off, telling him to go to sleep.
The next morning, while she was serving breakfast to the children, Fernando came bearing a gift: a blender.
Here, love, to make house chores easier. He tried to kiss her, but Sofia stepped back, ignoring the gift, and got up.
I have a gift for you too.
Startled, Fernando followed her to the hallway, where two large suitcases waited.
Im filing for divorce! No more excuses. You can leave now!
How did you find out? Fernando muttered, bewildered.
In the fitting room, when you were picking a present for your blonde. That blender can go to her; I dont need it.
Taken aback and angry, Fernando snapped:
Are you 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 you live off my money. 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!
Im not angry Sofia said calmly now just go.
The following day Sofia filed for divorce and asked for alimony. A week later her motherinlaw knocked on the door, furious:
You greedy thing! You threw Fernando out and now youre taking his money! Give up the alimony! He doesnt have to pay you!
He doesnt pay me, he pays his children, the ones he chose to have Sofia replied. If he cant afford a 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 peanuts! Youll be begging soon!
I dont think so Sofia said, pointing to the door. Leave my house before I call the police!
Cursing, the motherinlaw left.
Months later all the children started attending daycare. A month after the youngest enrolled, Sofia could work fulltime.
Hello a familiar voice called from beside her desk. Can we talk?
Im sorry, Fernando, Im busy she replied without looking up.
How about lunch together? Fernando persisted. Sofia finally looked up at her exhusband, who looked tired and worn. She knew the blonde had left him after learning half his salary would go to child support. It no longer mattered.
No, Fernando. We wont talk or have lunch.
