He runs into his exwife, and jealousy paints his cheeks a sickly green.
Philippe meets his former spouse, and the envy makes his cheeks turn literally green. He slams the refrigerator door so hard the contents shudder. One of the magnets on the door pops off with a dull clang and hits the floor.
Clémence stands opposite him, pale, fists clenched.
Feeling better now? she asks, lifting her chin.
Youre getting on my nerves, Philippe replies, his voice trembling even as he tries to stay composed. Whats this life? No joy, no future.
So its still all my fault? Clémence answers with a bitter smile. Of course nothing works out like you imagined.
Philippe intends to fire back but only raises a hand. He opens a sparklingwater bottle, takes a gulp straight from the neck, then slams it back onto the table.
Philippe, dont stay silent, Clémence says, her voice shaking. Tell me, for once, what really bothers you.
What can I say? he growls. Its all exhausting. To hell with it!
They stare at each other in silence for a few seconds. Finally, Clémence breathes deeply and heads to the bathroom. Philippe collapses heavily onto the couch. The sound of running water drifts through the doorshe must have turned the tap on to drown her sobs. It no longer matters to him.
A life turned routine
Three years earlier they had married. First they lived in Clémences inherited apartment, then moved to a countryside house, putting the flat in their daughters name. Their home was spacious but unrenovated, its furniture dating back years.
At first Philippe was content: the city centre location was convenient for work. Over time, however, everything began to irritate him. Clémence loved their family refuge with its brown wallpaper and the old inherited sideboard, while Philippe saw only a lack of change.
Clémence, tell me honestly, he kept repeating. Dont you want to replace that awful floor with yellow linoleum? Refresh the interior, modernize it?
Philippe, we dont have the money for renovations right now, she replied calmly. I too dream of change, but we have to wait for the bonuses.
Wait?! Thats your philosophyjust endure and wait!
Philippe often recalled how he had fallen for Clémence when she was a shy student, her sincere blue eyes and gentle smile enchanting him. Hed told friends, Shes a bud that will bloom yet. Now it seemed the flower never truly blossomed and was already wilting.
Clémence didnt see herself as invisible. She simply lived the way she thought she should, savoring small pleasuresa mint tea, a new tablecloth, a quiet night with a book. Philippe interpreted all that as stagnation and routine.
They werent rushing to divorcePhilippe didnt want to move back with his parents, and living apart wasnt an option yet. Clémences mother, Madeleine, always took her daughters side:
My son, Clémence is a good girl. Be grateful for the apartment.
Mom, you dont get it! Philippe snapped.
The father merely nodded:
Let him figure it out.
At home, Philippe grew colder: Shes like a shadow, a gray ghost, he thought. During an argument he shouted:
I once saw a magnificent flower in you! And now? Im stuck with a frozen bud
It was the first time in months that Clémence cried. On that very day when everything collapsed, Philippe whispered:
Clémence, Im exhausted.
From what? she asked.
From this life, from this endless routine.
Clémence grabbed her bag and left. Philippe hoped she might return and ask him to stay, but she walked out calmly:
Maybe its better you truly live alone. Move out.
Philippe exploded:
I wont leave!
Its my parents apartment, Clémence replied coldly. And Im done living with someone who sees me as a burden.
With no other choice, Philippe left. A few weeks later their divorce was finalized.
The encounter that changed everything
Three years passed. Philippe still lived with his parents, trying to start anew, but luck never smiled on him. His job paid little; only occasional small joys brightened his days.
One spring evening, while strolling down the street, he passed a café, paused at the window, and saw someone inside. Clémence was there.
But she was no longer the Clémence he knew. In front of him stood a confident woman, neatly coiffed, wearing an elegant coat, a set of car keys in her hand.
Clémence? Philippe asked, surprised.
She turned, recognized him, and smiled.
Philippe? Hi! How are you?
Uh fine, he stammered, unable to look away.
And you? Doing well? she replied calmly.
Looks like youre doing even better Work as usual?
No, I opened my own flower studio. It was scary, but I found someone to help me.
Who?
A tall man in an expensive coat emerged from the café, wrapping an arm gently around Clémence.
Honey, a table just opened, shall we?
Philippe, this is Antoine, Clémence introduced. Were glad to see you again.
Happy for you, Philippe muttered, feeling a bitter sting of jealousy deep inside.
Thank you, Clémence answered calmly.
Antoine nodded, and the three of them walked into the café, leaving Philippe standing on the cold sidewalk.
Once he had said, I live with a frozen bud. Now that bud had finally blossomedjust not beside him.
