He runs into his exwife, and jealousy paints his cheeks a vivid green.
Philippe meets his former spouse, and the envy makes his cheekbones turn literally green. He slams the refrigerator door so hard the contents tremble. One of the magnets attached to the door pops off with a dull clang and hits the floor.
Clémence stands opposite him, pale, fists clenched.
So, feeling better now? she says, lifting her chin.
Youre getting on my nerves, Philippe replies, voice shaking despite his attempt to stay composed. What kind of life is this? No joy, no future.
So its still my fault? Clémance offers a bitter smile. Of course nothing unfolds the way you imagined.
Philippe wants to retort, but only waves his hand. He opens a bottle of sparkling water, takes a gulp straight from the neck, then slams it back onto the table.
Philippe, dont stay silent, Clémance says, her voice quivering. Tell me, for once, what really bothers you.
What can I say? he growls. Im fed up with all this. To hell with it!
They stare at each other in silence for a few seconds. Finally, Clémance inhales deeply and heads to the bathroom. Philippe collapses heavily onto the sofa. The sound of running water drifts through the doorshe must have turned on the tap to drown her sobs. It no longer matters to him.
**A life turned routine**
Three years earlier they had married. First they lived in the flat Clémance had inherited from her parents, then moved to a countryside house, putting the apartment in their daughters name. They occupied a spacious but unrenovated dwelling, 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. Clémance loved her family refuge with its brown wallpaper and the old heirloom sideboard. Philippe saw only a lack of change.
Clémance, be honest with me, he kept saying. Dont you want to replace that awful floor with yellow linoleum? Refresh the interior, modernise 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 philosophy endure and wait!
Philippe often recalled how he’d fallen for Clémance. She had been a shy student then, her sincere blue eyes and gentle smile had enchanted him. He used to tell friends, Shes a bud that will blossom yet. Now it seemed the flower never truly opened and was already wilting.
**Gift baskets**
Clémance didnt see herself as invisible. She simply lived as she thought, savoring small pleasuresa mint tea, a new tablecloth, a quiet evening with a book. Philippe perceived all 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 defended her daughter:
My son, Clémance is a good girl. Be glad you have an apartment.
Mom, you dont understand! Philippe snapped.
Her father merely nodded:
Let him manage on his own.
At home, Philippe grew increasingly cold: Shes like a shadow, a grey phantom, 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 cried. On that same day when everything collapsed, Philippe whispered softly:
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 its better if you truly live alone. Move out.
Philippe exploded:
I wont leave!
Its my parents apartment, Clémance said coldly. And Im done living with someone who feels like a burden.
With no other option, Philippe went away. A few weeks later their divorce was finalized.
**The encounter that changed everything**
Three years passed. Philippe was still living with his parents, trying to start anew, but luck eluded him. His job paid little; only occasional small gratifications brightened his days.
One spring evening, while strolling down the street, he passed a café, froze when he saw someone through the window. It was Clémance.
But she was no longer the Clémance he knew. In front of him stood a selfassured woman with a tidy haircut, an elegant coat, and a set of car keys in hand.
Clémance? Philippe said, surprised.
She turned, recognized him, and smiled.
Philippe? Hello! How are you?
Uh fine, he stuttered, 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?
From the café emerged a tall man in an expensive coat, wrapping his arm gently around Clémance:
My dear, a table just opened up, shall we go?
Philippe, meet Antoine, Clémance said to him. Were glad to see you again.
Happy for you, Philippe muttered, feeling a bitter jealousy deep inside.
Thank you, Clémance replied calmly.
Antoine nodded, and the three of them walked into the café, leaving Philippe standing on the cold sidewalk.
He had once thought, I live with a frozen bud. The bud eventually blossomedjust not beside him.
He Bumps into His Ex-Wife, and Jealousy Turns His Cheeks a Vivid Shade of Green.
