I’m going to stay with my sister Linda for thirty days.
For once, you’ll be responsible for everything I’ve done for you.
Perhaps then you’ll understand.
Margaret.”
I left my wedding ring beside the letter.
That evening, Robert called me thirty-seven times.
His last voicemail contained six trembling words:
“Margaret, please tell me you’re coming home.”
But I didn’t go back.
On the first day, Robert ordered pizza.
He sent me a photograph of the box with a sarcastic message.
“See? I’m surviving perfectly well without you.”
I didn’t answer.
By the fourth day, he couldn’t find a clean shirt.
“Margaret, where do you keep the laundry detergent?”
I replied, “In the cabinet where it’s been for fifteen years.”
A week later, our daughter Emily called me.
“Mom, Dad just asked me how to clean the bathroom. He says the house is a disaster.”