Weve shared a roof for forty years, and now at sixty-three, youve decided to start over?
Sarah sat in her favourite armchair, gazing out of the window, trying to push the days events from her mind. Not long ago, shed been bustling around the kitchen, preparing dinner and waiting for David to return from fishing. Instead of bringing home a fresh catch, hed arrived with news hed been holding back for some time.
Id like to get a divorce, and I hope youll understand, David said unexpectedly, refusing to meet her eyes. The kids are grown, theyll get it, the grandchildren wont care. We can end things simply, without any fuss.
Weve lived together for four decades and now, at sixty-three, you want to change your life? Sarah struggled to process his words. Dont I deserve to know what comes next?
Youll stay in our London flat, Ill move to the cottage, David replied quietly, his plan clearly well thought out. Theres nothing to split between us, and everything will end up with the girls in the end.
Whats her name? Sarah asked, her voice resigned.
David flushed deeply, began hurriedly gathering his things, and pretended not to hear. That response left Sarah in no doubt about another woman in the picture. In her younger years, shed never imagined shed be left alone after all this time, her husband chasing after someone else.
Maybe itll all work itself out, Mum. Dont let Dads behaviour get to you, comforted Lucy and Sophie later.
Its too late for that, love, Sarah sighed. No point changing anything. Ill just see out the rest of my days and be glad for your happiness.
Lucy and Sophie paid their father a visit at the cottage for a serious talk. When they returned home, they seemed far more upset but kept quiet about what David had said. Instead, they started insisting that living alone might actually suit Sarah no more worrying about anyone else. Sarah understood and didnt press; she did her best to carry on. It wasnt easy, with nosy relatives and neighbours peppering her with questions and gossip.
Imagine, all those years together, and then he runs off with someone else in his sixties, local busybodies whispered. Is she younger than you, or just richer?
Sarah never quite knew what to say, but found herself growing increasingly curious about the mysterious rival. That curiosity persuaded her to visit David at the cottage, under the guise of collecting the preserves shed made in summer. She hadnt rung ahead, certain shed cross paths with this other woman and she did.
David, you never said your ex would be popping round, complained a flashy woman with garish makeup. I thought all that was dealt with. She shouldnt be here.
So, this is what you left me for? Sarah asked, studying the brash woman.
Are you seriously going to stand there and let her insult me? the woman shouted. For the record, Im only a few years younger than you, and I look much better.
If she really thinks looks are all that matter at our age, Sarah murmured, catching Davids uncomfortable glance.
All the way to the bus stop, Sarah could hear the shrill voice of the painted, ageing Barbie and fought back tears. Only once home did she allow herself to weep, phoning her sister Anne for company.
Oh come now, Anne said, putting the kettle on for mint tea. Didnt you say Davids new lady isnt even that pretty or terribly clever?
Maybe shes right and I really do look like an old woman now, Sarah wondered aloud.
You look marvellous for your age, Anne replied honestly. But I do think its daft at pushing seventy to squeeze into leopard leggings or a mini skirt. A woman can be beautiful whatever her age, so long as she carries herself well.
Sarah peered at herself in the mirror and realised her sister was right. She was in good shape, her health wasnt bad, her daughters always gifted her nice clothes and cosmetics. Shed never been loud or vulgar, and didnt want to become a caricature. She couldnt imagine acting like her recent rival.
Well then, Anne carried on, now youre a free woman, you can do as you please! The girls are independent, there are plenty of ways to travel or spend your time. I wont have you moping about.
Anne kept her promise, whisking Sarah off to the theatre, walks, and concerts. Before long, theyd joined up with a group of their peers, making friends with shared interests. One man even tried to win Sarahs attention, though she quickly put a stop to that and declined to see him further.
So, I hear youre off to the theatre these days, found new friends. What next, marriage again? David quipped during a chance encounter at the shops.
What brings you all the way here for groceries? Sarah countered. You mean to say your new wife doesnt cook, or do they not sell food near the cottage?
Ive always shopped here. Old habits and all that hard to change at our age, David grumbled.
Sarah didnt pursue the conversation, excusing herself and heading home. In that moment, David felt an overwhelming urge to catch up to her and confess how deeply he regretted everything. Hed always lived for his wife and his girls, and then hed been swept up in Patricias whirlwind. At first, life with her was exciting. But it turned out Patricia couldnt be bothered with housework, loved a good gossip, and spent her time flitting around men and noisy parties.
Lately, David found himself longing to come home and after seeing Sarah, he missed the peace and comfort more than ever. Sarah hadnt made a scene or tried to make him feel guilty; she simply carried on with dignity and grace. Hed never expected to miss that calm, that sense of belonging, as much as he did.
You got apricots again I asked for prunes! Patricia snapped, rifling through the shopping. And the cheese isnt the right fat content. And you forgot the mayonnaise altogether.
Sarah always did the shopping, or we did it together. You keep trying to put it all on me, David finally burst out.
Can you quit comparing me to your ex-wife? Perhaps you regret leaving her for me! shrieked Patricia.
David did regret it. But he knew there was little point in saying so. Sarah hadnt done anything to lure him back shed just been herself, while he was left with the ache of what hed lost.
He knew she would never trust him or take him back, no matter how many times he picked up the phone or thought to show up at her door. But after one particularly fierce row with Patricia, he did at last find himself outside the door of his old flat.
Did you come to collect anything? Sarah asked, not letting him past the threshold.
I just wanted to talk do you have a moment? David mumbled, catching the wonderful smell of her homemade Victoria sponge wafting from the kitchen.
Ive neither the time, nor the wish, she replied calmly. Take what you need, Im expecting guests.
David had nothing to take. There was much he wanted to say, but he couldnt find the words. He trudged back to the cottage and made his own supper, Patricia off gallivanting again. When she did come home, noticeably tipsy, he realised with certainty hed made the right decision and soon asked her to pack her things.
For a while, David thought of calling Sarah again, letting her know everything, but in the end, he left it alone. He knew her well enough to understand her forgiveness would never stretch that far.
Perhaps, in time, he might ask for her pardon just for peace of mind not reunion, for he knew she could never forget his betrayal. When hed begun with Patricia, hed known what he was risking.
Now he had just the cottage and his own company, while Sarah had her London life, the girls and grandchildren, and her evenings at the theatre. There was no place for an old husband in that world anymore.
If Ive learned anything, its that you shouldnt throw away what truly matters for a fleeting excitement. The comfort of home and the quiet understanding of someone who knows you you only ever realise the value once its gone.
