He runs into his exwife, and envy paints his cheeks a sickly green. Philippe slams the refrigerator door so hard that the contents shudder, and one of the magnets clatters off the door with a dull thud, falling to the floor.
Across from him stands Clémence, pale, fists clenched.
Feeling better now? she asks, lifting her chin.
Youre really getting on my nerves, Philippe replies in a trembling voice, trying to stay composed. What kind of life is this? No joy, no future.
So its still all my fault? Clémence offers a bitter smile. Of course nothing turns out the way you imagined.
Philippe wants to retort, but only raises his hand. He pops open 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, whats really bothering you.
What can I say? he growls. Its all worn me out. To hell with it!
They stare at each other in silence for a few seconds. At last, Clémence inhales deeply and heads for the bathroom. Philippe collapses heavily onto the couch. Water splashes behind the doorshe must have turned on the tap to drown her sobsbut it no longer matters to him.
**A life turned routine**
Three years earlier they had married. They first lived in Clémences apartment, inherited from her parents, then moved to a country house, putting the flat in their daughters name. The house was spacious but never renovated, its furniture a relic of past decades.
At first Philippe was content: the city centre was convenient for work. Over time, however, everything began to irritate him. Clémance loved her family refuge with its brown wallpaper and antique sideboard, while Philippe saw only a lack of change.
Clémance, be honest with me, he kept repeating. Dont you want to replace that awful floor with yellow linoleum? Update the interior, make it modern?
Philippe, we simply dont have the money for renovations right now, she answered calmly. I too dream of change, but we have to wait for the bonuses.
Wait?! Thats your philosophy endure and wait!
Philippe often recalled how he had fallen for Clémance when she was a shy student, her sincere blue eyes and gentle smile captivating him. He used to tell his friends, Shes a bud that will blossom someday. Now it seemed the flower never truly opened, already wilting.
**Gift baskets**
Clémance never saw herself as invisible. She lived the way she thought was right, savoring small pleasuresa mint tea, a new tablecloth, a quiet evening with a book. Philippe perceived all of that as stagnation and routine.
They werent rushing to divorcePhilippe didnt want to move back with his parents, and living apart wasnt feasible at the moment. Clémances mother, Madeleine, always sided with her daughter:
My son, Clémance is a good girl. Be grateful you have an apartment.
Mother, you dont understand! Philippe snapped.
The father merely nodded:
Let him manage on his own.
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? I live with a frozen bud
It was the first time in months that Clémance actually cried. That very day, as everything collapsed, Philippe whispered:
Clémance, Im exhausted.
Exhausted by what? she asked.
By this life, by this endless routine.
Clémance grabbed her bag and left. Philippe hoped she would return and ask him to stay, but she walked out calmly:
Maybe youd be better off living truly alone. Move out.
Philippe erupted:
I wont leave!
Its my parents apartment, Clémance said coldly. And I no longer want to live with someone who sees me as a burden.
Having no other option, 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 eluded him. His job paid little; only tiny gratifications brightened his days.
One spring evening, while strolling down the street, he passed a café and froze when he saw someone through the window. It was Clémance.
But she was no longer the Clémance he knew. Standing before him was a selfassured woman, her hair neatly styled, an elegant coat draped over her, a set of car keys in her hand.
Clémance? Philippe said, surprised.
She turned, recognized him, and smiled.
Philippe? Hello! How are you?
Uh fine, he stammered, unable to look away.
And you? she asked 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.
Whos that?
A tall man stepped out of the café, wearing an expensive coat, and wrapped an arm gently around Clémance.
My dear, a table just opened up, shall we go?
Philippe, meet Antoine, Clémance introduced him. Were glad to see you again.
Good for you, Philippe muttered, feeling a bitter pang of jealousy.
Thank you, Clémance replied evenly.
Antoine nodded, and the three of them entered 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.
He Bumps Into His Ex-Wife, and Jealousy Turns His Cheeks a Shade of Green.
