– I’m filing for divorce, Alice announced.
John was deeply engrossed in the football match and didn’t respond to his wife’s words.
Alice approached and turned off the TV.
– What are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?! John shouted, then caught himself, made an effort to calm down, and said amicably:
– Sorry. It’s just that it’s such an important moment.
– I’m sure it’s not more important than what I just said.
– What did you say? He asked, realizing he’d once again ignored his wife’s words.
– I’m filing for divorce.
John’s eyes widened.
– Divorce? Why? I thought everything was fine between us.
– You thought wrong.
– Hold on… Yesterday we went to the theatre, the day before I brought you flowers, last week we went to the cinema. Just as you like…
– Yes, but it’s the first time you’ve done this in seven years of marriage. And I know why.
– Why then? John began to get annoyed.
– Because I put the kids in nursery, got a job, started going to the gym, got a makeover, and made new friends.
– What does that have to do with anything?
– Everything! You suddenly noticed other men were interested in me, saw that I didn’t need you as much as before.
– That’s nonsense…
– No, John, it’s not nonsense. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be scared, wouldn’t be trying to please me, wouldn’t give me flowers. Let alone the movies and theater – that’s quite something from you!
– I was making an effort… Trying to make you happy… Wait, are you divorcing me because of this?
– Yes. I don’t want to live like this anymore. Now you’re pretending to be a loving husband, but where were you when I was pregnant, when the kids were born, when I was awake at night? You never helped me with anything! You were just there as a symbol. Came, ate, slept. I can count how many times you held the kids!
– I was working, you know! John was indignant, – to provide for you all!
– You did work, I won’t argue. But not just for us – for yourself too. And you had weekends off, but you preferred to spend them with your friends.
– I have the right!
– I had no weekends off, Alice continued, ignoring her husband’s comments, – even though the kids… they’re yours too. But that interested you the least. I can still hear your words: “I’ve given you money, what more do you want?” What I wanted… was a reliable, close person next to me. To support me. Not just financially, but emotionally too. To comfort me.
But you didn’t have time for that. You lived your life, in which there was neither me nor our children…
– You’re exaggerating.
– I am not exaggerating. Do you even know which nursery they go to? We, by the way, travel forty minutes to get there. In the morning! On public transport! While you drive to work alone in your car like a lord. And you get there in twenty minutes. Yet you never once offered to take the kids to nursery.
– You didn’t ask, John mumbled.
– And why should I ask? There are things a loving husband and father aren’t asked about. It’s taken for granted. But not in your case, since love isn’t part of it. Never was…
– You made me out to be a monster…
– No, John, you’re not a monster. You’re just completely foreign to me. Became foreign… or perhaps you always were.
– And what about the kids? What will you tell them? How will you explain?
– Oh, give me a break! Alice laughed, – they only just started recognizing you on the street! So I don’t think I’ll have a problem with that.
John couldn’t find a reply. Alice was somewhat right, but he could be understood too: he’s a man, she’s a woman and she should know her place, take care of the home, and the kids. John’s father always said that. And his mother agreed. But Alice seemed dissatisfied…
– And how do you plan to live on one salary with two kids? John attacked, – as for me, I won’t give you a penny!
– Oh, you will, Alice replied calmly, – child support is a thing. And we’ll split the assets we’ve accumulated over the seven years in court. Although there’s not much to split, but still. The fridge, for example – we need it more. And knowing you, I’m sure you’ll cling to that just to spite me. So it will all go through court. Fortunately, we don’t have a house. You can stay here if you like. I’ll find another place for myself and the kids (saying this last part, Alice paused, secretly hoping John would refuse, saying he would find another flat, allowing his wife and kids to stay at their familiar home… But John said nothing of the sort), – … I’ve already found a suitable place near their nursery.
– Go on then! John couldn’t hear anymore, – thinks she’s so clever! Thought of everything, have you?! Forgotten anything?! What about the car? I’m not giving it to you!
– I’m not asking for it, Alice smiled, – I don’t need it.
– Since when have you been so generous?! John couldn’t stop, – doesn’t need the car! Must be riding around in another one already?! Tell me, when have I been a fool?! You’ve become awfully bold!
– Not surprising, Alice was perfectly calm, – I knew I’d hear something like that.
– Understand this, John grabbed his wife by the shoulders and shook her, – who else will want you with two kids?! Let’s just forget all of this, eh? Let’s live like before. I’ll change, I promise!
– Like before? No way, Alice answered firmly, – it’s not going to happen.
– But why?! John shouted at the top of his voice.
– Because I don’t love you anymore…
John was taken aback, panicked internally, and suddenly, as if sensing that further discussion was pointless, agreed:
– If that’s the case, go ahead and file for divorce.
They were divorced in six months. Everything unfolded according to Alice’s plan.
Now, she and the kids live close to their nursery, and mornings on weekdays are much calmer.
And on weekends – she’s completely free! All because the ex-husband takes the kids! They explore the city, stay at his place, play all sorts of games. He even cooks for them himself!
Who can understand these men?
While married – neither wife nor kids matter. Seen as a given.
Once divorced – finds time for the kids and nearly becomes the best dad in the world.
