A Hasty Goodbye: One Last Kiss from the Car and the Walk Back Home
He stepped out of the vehicle and gave his lover a tender farewell before making his way home. When he arrived, he lingered by the building, weighing in his mind how to break the news to his wife. He climbed the stairs, unlocked the front door, and entered.
Hello, Duarte said. Are you home, Beatriz?
I am, his wife replied, unmoved. Hi. Should I start frying the steaks now?
Duarte vowed to be bluntconfident and firm, as a man should be. It was time to end his double life before the lovers kisses cooled, before he was swallowed again by the monotony of everyday routine.
Beatriz, Duarte cleared his throat, Im here to tell you we need to part ways.
Beatriz took the announcement with an oddly calm composure. She was never easily rattled, which is why Duarte affectionately called her IceCold Beatriz.
Seriously? she asked from the kitchen doorway. You want me not to fry the steaks, then?
Whatever you prefer, Duarte answered. If you want to fry them, do it. If not, dont. Im leaving; Im with someone else.
Most women would have thrown something at him after such a statement, but Beatriz was not typical.
So it is, you and your quirks, she retorted. Did you pick up my repaired boots?
No, Duarte stammered. If that matters, I can go fetch them right now.
Ah, Duarte, Beatriz murmured. Send a fool to buy boots and youll end up with the old pair back.
He felt insulted. The breakup announcement wasnt unfolding with the drama hed expected. Everything felt flatyet what could he have anticipated from a wife nicknamed IceCold Beatriz?
Beatriz, youre not hearing me! Duarte exclaimed. Im leaving. Ill live with another woman and all you talk about are boots!
Fine, Beatriz replied. Unlike me, you can go wherever you wish. Your boots arent in the shop. You have nothing to hold you here.
They had lived together for years, yet Duarte still couldnt tell whether she was being sincere or sarcastic. He had fallen for Beatriz once because of her gentle nature, her knack for avoiding conflict, and her economical speech. Her domestic skills and physical charm had also sealed the deal.
Beatriz was dependable, loyal, and coldlike a ships anchor. But now Duarte loved another, a burning, forbidden, sweet passion. It was time to tie up loose ends and start a new chapter.
Beatriz, thank you for everything, but Im leaving because I love someone else, not you.
What a surprise! Beatriz shouted. You dont love mehow novel! My mother adored the neighbor, my father loved dominoes and wine. So what? Look at what Ive become.
Duarte knew arguing with Beatriz was a tough battle; every word she uttered felt weighty. His initial resolve faded, and he chose not to prolong the dispute.
Youre wonderful, Beatriz, he said resignedly. But Im passionately in love with another woman. Im going, understand?
Another? she asked. Is it Isabel Figueira?
Duarte recoiled. A year earlier he had indeed had a secret fling with Isabel, but he never imagined Beatriz knew.
How do you? he began, then stopped. It doesnt matter. Its not Isabel.
Beatriz yawned.
Maybe Sofia Almeida? Are you going to join her?
A chill ran down Duartes spine. He, too, had once been involved with Sofia, but that was past. If Beatriz knew, why hadnt she said anything? Of course, she was made of steel; nothing would make her speak.
No, its neither Sofia nor Isabel. Its another woman, the one who fulfills my dreams. I cant live without her and Im set on leaving. Dont try to stop me!
So it must be Sónia, Beatriz muttered. Ah, Duarte what a poorly kept secret! Your dream is Sónia Henriquesthirtyfive years old, a child, two miscarriages right?
Duarte clutched his head. She had hit the nail on the head; he was indeed seeing Sónia Henriques.
How did you know? he stammered. Did someone tip you off? Were you following me?
Simple, Duarte, Beatriz replied. Im a gynecologist. Ive examined almost every woman in this town, while youve only seen a few. It didnt take long to catch you with another.
Duarte steadied himself.
Assuming youre right, even if its Sónia, nothing changes. Im going with her.
Youre ignorant, Duarte, Beatriz said. You could at least have asked me first! Besides, theres nothing special about Sónia; shes like any other, medically speaking. Did you even look at your muses medical history?
Nno, Duarte confessed.
Fine then! Take a shower right now. Tomorrow Ill talk to Dr. Oliveira and hell see you at the health post without any waiting, Beatriz instructed. Then well talk. Its odd for a doctors husband not to pick a healthy partner!
What should I do? Duarte asked, despondent.
Ill fry the steaks, Beatriz answered. You go shower and do whatever you think is best. If youre hunting for a perfect muse, no problemtalk to me, I can recommend someone
A Hasty Farewell: A Car’s Goodbye and the Journey Back Home…
