Late Farewell: A Goodbye on the Way Home
After parting from his lover with a gentle kiss, Filipe Cardoso slipped into his car and headed home. He halted briefly at his buildings entrance, inhaled deeply, rehearsing the words he would say to his wife. He climbed the stairs and unlocked the door.
Hello Filipe said. Leonor, are you home?
I am his wife replied, flatly. Hello. Shall I go fry the cutlets?
Filipe vowed to be concise, firm, and straightforwarda decisive man. It was time to end the double life while the memory of his lovers warm lips still lingered, before routine swallowed him again.
Leonor Filipe croaked, steadying his voice. Im here to tell you we need to separate.
Leonor received the news with a disturbingly calm composure. She was not one to lose her temper easily; in earlier days Filipe even nicknamed her Leonor the Ice.
What does that mean? she asked, standing in the kitchen doorway. No cutlets?
Thats up to you Filipe replied. Fry them if you want; if not, dont. Im leaving. For another woman.
Most wives would have erupted in fury, perhaps hurling a dish at their husband. Leonor was not like most.
Oh, what a tragedy she murmured. Did you bring my boots from the cobbler?
No Filipe admitted, surprised. If theyre that important, Ill fetch them now!
There you go Leonor muttered. Youve always been that, Filipe. Sending a fool to fetch the boots, and he brings you the old ones.
Filipe felt insulted. The drama he had imagined was collapsing. Where were the tears, the screams, the righteous rage? What else could he expect from a woman as coldblooded as Leonor the Ice?
I dont think youre listening, Leonor! he raised his voice. Im telling you Im leaving you for someone else, and youre talking about boots!
Exactly Leonor replied. Unlike me, you can go wherever you wish. Your boots arent at the cobblers. Whats stopping you?
They had lived together for years, yet Filipe never knew when Leonor was being serious or teasing. At first, it was precisely that serenity, that restraint, that had attracted him, not to mention her firm beauty and pragmatic manner. Leonor was solid, loyal, and unmoved like a slab of granite. But now Filipe loved another. He loved with passion, sin, and sweetness! It was time to cut the ties and move on.
So, Leonor Filipe declared, solemnly and with a hint of hurt. Im grateful for everything, but Im leaving because I love another. I no longer love you.
Wonderful Leonor said, without raising her voice. He doesnt love you, the poor thing. My mother adored the neighbour, my father loved dominoes and brandy. Look at the incredible woman Ive become.
He knew arguing with Leonor was futile. Each of her words felt as heavy as stone. The initial fervor had faded, and he no longer craved conflict.
Leonor, you truly are something Filipe said, bitterly. But I love another. I love with passion, sin, and sweetness. Im leaving, understand?
Another who? his wife asked. Tânia Mendes, perhaps?
Filipe hesitated. A year earlier he had a secret affair with Tânia, but he never imagined Leonor knew her.
How do you know about her? he began, then stopped. Anyway, it doesnt matter. No, Leonor, its not Mendes.
Leonor yawned.
Then its Sandra Varejão? Did you chase after her?
A shiver ran down Filipes spine. Sandra had also been his lover, but that was in the past. If Leonor knew, why hadnt she said anything? Of course, she was a fortress, never revealing anything.
Youre wrong again Filipe insisted. Its neither Varejão nor Mendes. Its another woman, marvelous, the love of my life. I cant live without her and Im leaving. Dont try to stop me!
So it must be Mafalda Leonor concluded. Ah, Filipe, Filipe youre such a fool. Your big secret. The love of your life Mafalda Ventura, thirtyfive, one child, two abortions Am I right?
Filipe clutched his head. She had hit the nail on the head! His romance was indeed with Mafalda.
How? he stammered. Who told you? Were you spying on me?
Elementary, Filipe Leonor replied. You know Ive been a gynecologist for years. Ive examined half the women in this town, while youve only known a tiny fraction. One glance is enough for me to know where youve been, you scoundrel!
Filipe breathed deeply, trying to regain some dignity.
Lets assume youre right! he declared, proud. Even if its Mafalda, nothing changes. Im leaving.
Youre really dense, Filipe Leonor sighed. You could have asked. Besides, theres nothing special about her; shes like any other I say this as a doctor. Have you seen your lovers medical history?
Nno he confessed.
Well then. First, go take a shower. Second, tomorrow Ill call Dr. Gaspar to see you without delay. Then well talk. How embarrassing the husband of a gynecologist choosing a sick woman!
So what do I do? Filipe muttered.
Ill fry the cutlets Leonor said, turning away. You, wash up and do whatever you like. If you want a healthy woman, let me know I can recommend someone
