This door isnt meant for you: a tale of love, betrayal, and inheritance
Maria was just about to go to bed when an unexpected knock sounded at the door. Reluctantly, she threw a robe over her shoulders, walked over, and opened it. Standing in the doorway was himher exhusband, Andrei.
You? she exclaimed, eyes wide. What do you want?
We need to talk. May I come in? he said with a false smile. After all, Im not exactly a stranger here.
Maria stepped back without enthusiasm. Andrei entered, went into the living room, sank onto the couch, and glanced around.
It looks like nothings changed, he muttered. No renovation, no comfort. Its as if time stopped.
I like it that way. Here for an inspection? Or perhaps you want to sponsor some paint and plaster?
She no longer feared being blunt with him. Before, shed endured, swallowed her anger, and kept quiet. But now? Why? Theyd long since become strangers, if not outright enemies. Their daughter, Ana, was already grownliving her own life and barely speaking to her parents.
The smell is nice, Andrei abruptly changed the subject. Are you cooking? Invite me over?
Maria laughed silently. She remembered that a few months earlier she had split from his new wifeIoana, the same woman he had left her for a year and a half earlier.
That evening was still vivid in her memory. Andrei had come home from work and started quietly packing his things.
Im leaving. Ive had an affair for a long time. You knew it, but pretended not to see. Im fed up.
Maria had stood frozen, disbelief in her eyes, but she knew. Ioana, a twentyyear veteran of Andreis office, had turned on him a few weeks earlier. Marias best friend, who worked at the same firm, had told her everything. Yet, swallowing her pride, Maria had decided not to ruin the family over a fleeting fling. She thought it would pass. It didnt.
Andrei moved out, rented an apartment, and filed for divorce. As a honorable man, he gave up his share of their joint flat.
Youll live with Ana. I need nothing.
Maria had spent whole nights in tears, trying to persuade him to return. He remained cold and selfsatisfied.
Finally, Im in love, he replied. Thats the truth. Our place was empty.
During that bleak period, only her motherinlaw, Viora Dumitru, stood by her. Viora was already ill, and Maria helped as best she coulddoctor visits, household chores, pharmacy runs. Andrei appeared rarelyhe had a new family.
Viora had taken Marias side openly, disappointed in her son and refusing to see him. When Viora died, Maria was at her side until the end, arranging the funeral. Andrei attended only the wake.
Two weeks after the burial, the will was read. The apartment went not to him but to Maria.
Youre playing the saint, feeding her, acting all holy! Andrei had shouted then.
Maria remained silent. She turned her gaze to the window, where the pale moonlight reflected, and finally felt she could breathe freely.
