Where are you heading? she called from the kitchen.
Jorge, where are you going? Beatriz peeked out, drying her hands on her apron, watching her husband with surprise.
Jorge, a fortyfiveyearold director of a wellknown construction firm, had made up his mind. While his wife was preparing breakfast, he packed a suitcase. Now, standing in the doorway of their spacious Chiado flat, he felt the weight of his choice.
Beatriz had always looked after the family. She believed a solid breakfastsausages, cheese, fresh breadwas the foundation of health and success. When the children were small she rose before sunrise. Three kids demanded her full attention, and her husbands salary allowed her to stay home.
He kept quiet, watching Beatriz, his partner of twentyfive years, and convinced himself he was right. It was time for a change.
Lately his wife had put on weight and lost the sparkle in her eyes that had once enchanted him. She no longer attracted him. In her place was Inêsyoung, intelligent, with jetblack hair like ebony, whom he had met at a corporate event in the Algarve. She was as bold as he was. So he stood there, suitcase in hand.
Enough! Why stay with a woman he didnt love? The children were grown: João and Pedro, graduates working in Lisbon; Catarina, in her fourth year of medical school, still receiving his support. As for his wife why keep supporting her? Inês was right: it was time to split the apartment.
Are you traveling? Beatriz asked calmly. You should have told me. I made you some sandwiches. Its not good to leave on an empty stomach.
Always with food! Jorge snapped, irritated that he couldnt state his intentions. Do you think there are no bakeries around? You live in the kitchen as if the world didnt exist!
Did something happen? her voice stayed sweet.
He had suspected the affair for a while. He knew this day would come, but he thought he knew his wife.
Im leaving the house! he erupted. Im living with another woman. A modern woman, not a housewife!
Congratulations, she replied, as if commenting on the weather.
I dont deserve this?
You deserve more. Youre hardworking, smart, goodlooking
The house will be divided, he said more gently.
I agree. Well do everything according to the law.
Jorge was surprised by the ease. He expected shouting, not this calm.
Find a job, she warned. I wont support you.
I dont need to. Ill marry again.
Marry? she laughed, skeptical. Who would want you?
Many. Women like me are coveted. Experienced, homemakers, good cooks And with a flat of our own after the split.
He swallowed hard. The thought of Beatriz with another man unsettled him.
I have a meeting, he murmured, leaving the suitcase. Dont schedule anything today. Its disrespectful.
In the office, doubt gnawed at him. He had planned to return if things fell through with Inês, but now
At days end, Inês called, demanding:
Where are you? I chose an apartment on Avenida da Liberdade! We need to furnish the bedroom and pay for the trip to Brazil. Remember the promise?
Whats for dinner? he interrupted.
Nothing. Im on a diet. We could order sushi
Jorge hung up. He recalled the cod with cream sauce Beatriz would make, the comforting quiet of their home, and the idea of another man calling her his wife.
No. That would not happen.
