“I’m filing for divorce,” Emily announced.
David was deeply engrossed in watching football and didn’t react when his wife spoke.
Emily walked over and turned off the TV.
“What are you doing?! Have you lost your mind?!” David shouted, then paused, made an effort to calm down, and said peaceably, “Sorry. It’s just that it’s a crucial moment.”
“I’m sure it’s not more important than what I said.”
“What did you say?” her husband asked, realizing he’d once again let her words pass unnoticed.
“I’m filing for divorce.”
David’s eyes widened in shock. “What do you mean divorce? Why? I thought everything was fine with us.”
“You thought so.”
“Wait… Yesterday, we went to the theatre, I brought you flowers the day before, and last week we went to the movies. Just like you love…”
“Yes, but that’s been the first time in seven years of our marriage. And I even know why.”
“And why is that?!” David was starting to get upset.
“Because I got the kids into nursery, found a job, started going to the gym and salon, changed my look, and made new friends.”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“It has everything to do with it! You noticed that I became interesting to others, that men were paying attention, that I didn’t need you as I did before.”
“That’s nonsense…”
“No, David, it’s not nonsense. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gotten scared, started trying to please me, almost hanging on my every word, giving me flowers, not to mention the cinema and theatre. That’s a real effort from you!”
“I tried… Wanted to make you happy… Wait, is this why you’ve decided to divorce?”
“Yes. I don’t want to live like this anymore. You’re pretending to be a loving husband now, but where were you when I was pregnant, giving birth, or sleepless at night? You didn’t help at all! You were just an occasional presence in our lives, coming home to eat and sleep. I could count how many times you held the children!”
“I worked to provide for us!” David protested, jumping up in indignation.
“You worked, yes, but you weren’t just providing for us—you benefited, too. And you had weekends, but you chose to spend them with friends.”
“I’m entitled to that!”
“I never had a weekend off,” Emily continued, ignoring his comment, “and don’t forget, the kids are yours too. You were interested in them last. I still remember you saying, ‘I’ve given you money, what more do you want?’ I wanted you, a reliable person beside me. To support me. Not just financially but emotionally too. To care for me.”
But you were too busy living your life without us…
“You’re exaggerating.”
“I’m not exaggerating. Do you even know which nursery they go to? It takes us forty minutes to get there every morning! By public transport! Meanwhile, you drive solo to work like a king. And not once did you offer to drive them to nursery.”
“You never asked,” grumbled David.
“Why should I have to ask? A loving husband and father would know without asking. But in your case, love was never a factor in the equation.”
“You’ve painted me as a monster…”
“No, David, you’re not a monster. You’re just completely alien to me now. Either you became that way or you always were.”
“That’s your opinion, but what about the kids? How will you explain it to them?”
“Oh, please!” Emily laughed, “They only recently started recognizing you on the street! Explaining this won’t be an issue.”
David was left speechless. Part of him knew Emily was right, but he also felt justified: he was the man; she should know her place and handle the house and children. His father always said so, and his mother agreed. But Emily wasn’t satisfied with that…
“And how do you plan to live on one salary with two kids?” David went on the offensive, “As for me—I won’t give you a penny!”
“You will,” Emily replied calmly, “Child support is mandatory, and we’ll divide our assets in court. There’s not much to split, but still. The fridge is more necessary for the kids and me, I think. Knowing you, though, you’ll probably fight for it just to be spiteful. So, everything will go through the court. Fortunately, we don’t own a house. You can stay in this flat. I’ll find somewhere else with the kids,” she said, pausing slightly, hoping he’d disagree and insist she stay for the sake of their children’s routine. But David said nothing. “… I’ve already found a place close to the nursery.”
“Then go on! Leave!” David finally shouted, “Think you’re clever, organizing everything!? Forget something, did you? What about the car? I won’t let you have it!”
“I’m not asking for it,” Emily smiled, “I don’t need it.”
“What’s got you so generous?!” David couldn’t stop himself, “You don’t need the car! Got another one you’re driving, have you?! Tell me, when did I become the fool here?! You seem overly confident!”
“Not surprising,” Emily remained calm, “I knew you’d say something like that.”
“Don’t you understand,” David grabbed her shoulders, shaking her, “Who will want you with two kids?! Why don’t we just forget all this nonsense you’ve been saying? Continue like before. I’ll change, I swear!”
“Like before? No, thank you,” Emily replied firmly, “That’s not possible.”
“But why?!” David screamed, his voice echoing.
“Because I don’t love you anymore…”
David was stunned, panic seeping in, and suddenly, realizing further argument was pointless, he agreed, “If that’s the case—file for divorce.”
They divorced six months later, just as Emily planned.
Now, she lives close to the nursery, and her mornings during the workweek are much more relaxed.
And on weekends, she’s a free woman! All because her ex gives time to their children! Takes them to places, entertains them, plays with them at his home, even cooks himself!
And who can understand these men?
When married, neither his wife nor children mattered. It was all taken for granted.
Once divorced, he finds time for the kids and almost turns into the world’s greatest dad…
