A week later, Gary sent me a text.
Debbie, I know I handled everything badly. I miss our life. Can we meet for dinner?
I stared at the message for a
moment.
Then I replied:
We can meet with the attorneys if you need to discuss the divorce.
He didn’t answer.
Two months later, the divorce was finalized.
Gary eventually rented an apartment. I heard through Linda that he had started playing golf with some old friends and was telling everyone that I had become “cold and heartless.”
I didn’t bother correcting him.
People who lose access to your kindness often mistake your boundaries for cruelty.
As for me, I took a trip to Italy.
I walked through Florence, drank coffee
in little cafés, and watched the sunset over the water. I took photographs, bought paintings, and laughed with strangers.
One evening, while sitting on a balcony overlooking the sea, I realized I hadn’t thought about Gary all day.
