Blythe noticed that James had slipped into his best shirtthe same creamcoloured one theyd bought together for his birthday the year beforeand his new shoes. He even wore cufflinks, though on Sundays at home he usually went barefoot.
Blythe, we need to talk, he said, standing by the window with his back to her.
She set her coffee mug down slowly. Her heart quickened, not with fear but with a curious flutter.
James had clearly rehearsed this moment, as if it were a ceremony.
And then it hit her: he was waiting for tears, pleas, a tantrum. Yet she felt a strange calm settle over her.
I think it would be better if we went our separate ways, he continued, not turning. We both understand that.
We understand? she echoed, surprised by the steady tone of her own voice, almost intrigued.
James finally faced her. Surprise flickered across his faceshe hadnt reacted the way he had expected.
Right. Were adults now. Feelings have passed; theres no point in pretending, he said.
Blythe slumped back into her chair.
Twentytwo years of marriage. A grown son. Their teenage storms and her own forties, now drifting into her true fifties.
And where will I go? she asked simply.
Well James hesitated. You could stay with Martha for a while. Or rent something. Ill help with the money at first.
Martha, his sister, had always thought Blythe had married him for nothing.
Help with the money, he repeated, as if it were a grand gesture.
What about you?
What? James looked taken aback by the question. Nothing special yet. Maybe Ill sell the flat and find something simpler.
The flat? Blythe tilted her head. That one?
Yes, that one.
She rose, walked to the window, and James instinctively stepped back.
Below, schoolchildren trudged past with backpacksanother term was beginning. Life, indifferent, rolled on.
James, do you remember whose name is on the lease?
Mine, of course. Why?
On yours? Surprise tinged her voice, sounding oddly sincere. Are you sure?
For the first time he seemed genuinely puzzled.
Absolutely. We bought it ages ago with money my mother gave me before we were married. Remember the recipes she handed down?
She had sold her councilowned room and said, Heres something for the future. It had become their future.
James fell silent.
We titled it in my name because you were unemployed then, looking for a calling, and the bank needed proof of income for a loan.
Do you recall now?
But we we agreed
We agreed it was ours together. It stayed that way until you decided to claim everything.
Blythe sat down again, lifted her nowcold coffee, and took a sip.
You know, James, Ive just realised youre right. It really is time to part.
So? He brightened, but a flicker of anxiety crossed his eyes.
Yes. And if you want a fresh start, lets do it honourably. Ill stay in the flatits mine. You find a new place on your own, with your own cash.
Blythe, we could still work something out humanly, he suggested.
Isnt that humanly enough? She smiled. You want freedom, youll have itfull stop.
James sat opposite her. The onceproud shirt now seemed absurd.
But I dont have money for a new place
And I have no desire to keep supporting you. You said were adults.
I thought we could settle this peacefully
Peacefully, yes. No shouting, no drama. Everyone gets what they wanted. You wanted me gone, and now it looks like youre the one leaving. Unfair?
Blythe rose, cup in hand, and headed to the sink.
Her phone buzzed with a grocery delivery noticesomething shed ordered yesterday for today.
I need time to think, James muttered.
Of course, she replied, setting the cup down. Just dont dawdle. My friends are coming over; Id rather not have a domestic drama on display.
James slipped into the bedroom. Blythe heard his muffled, excited phone chat. She fetched the vegetables and began to chop, her movements slow, almost meditative. Half an hour later he returned.
Blythe, perhaps we rushed? Lets discuss again.
Whats left to discuss? She didnt look up from the board. Youve decided. Ive agreed. Everything is fair.
But the flat we invested in it together. Renovations, furniture
Renovations? Blythe finally turned. The ones my father did himself, free of charge?
And the furniture we bought on my salary while you were still searching for your place?
I always worked!
Worked, yes, but you spent your pay on yourself while I kept the household afloat. Remember my lineA man needs his own money for pride?
James fell silent.
I also recall you saying you werent ready for kids, yet when Andrew was born you seemed terrified of fatherhood, now you brag about being a doting dad.
What does that have to do with anything?
It shows me you chose to leave not yesterday, not last week, but sometime later.
Blythe set her knife down, faced him fully.
Tell me, James, does Olivia like the flat? Are you planning to buy something else?
His face went pale.
Olivia? Which Olivia?
The one youve been texting for six months. Shes been at your firm for eight years, no children yet, but eager for a home. Remember?
Youve been watching me?
Why watch? You told me everything yourself. Remember that night three weeks ago? You came home thrilled, bragging about a colleaguesmart, ambitiousthen bought a new shirt the next day.
Blythe grabbed a towel, wiped her hands.
You also started showering in the mornings before work, bought a new perfume, joined a gym after ten years.
Blythe
And now you take your phone into the bath, smile at the screen, no longer leave it idle. Your smartwatch pinged; you glanced and covered the wrist.
Is Olivia writing? Blythe asked, genuine curiosity.
James slumped into a chair.
I hadnt planned
Planned what? To fall in love? To be caught?
It just happened. We talked at work, then
And then you thought it better that I leave. Convenient. The flat stays yours, your reputation stays untouched.
If the wife walks out, shes the guilty one. With Olivia you could start anew, a clean slate.
Blythe sat opposite him.
You know whats odd? Im not angry at all. Im grateful. Youve shown me Im stronger than I thought.
What will you do now?
Live. Here, in my flat. Maybe finally chase that dream Ive always had but never dared. Ill have time for myself.
And Andrew?
Hes twentyone, an adult. Hell sort out his own parents quirks.
James stood, paced the kitchen.
Blythe, perhaps we can strike a deal? Ill pay you compensation
For what? she asked, genuinely surprised.
For the flat. For the years together.
James, you want to buy my flat so you can bring your new girl in?
Not that blunt
Or you propose money to make me voluntarily homeless?
Blythe laughed, truly, without spite.
Honestly, I might have agreed out of pitywhat a sad man, he didnt mean any harm, he just fell in love. Id have gone to my sister, apologised for not keeping you.
She moved to the window.
Now I realise you thought I was a simple, compliant fool who would endure anything. You were wrong.
So you wont leave?
No. Youll leave. Today. Take only whats yours.
And if I refuse?
Blythe turned back, eyes calm, finally aware of her own power.
Then tomorrow Olivia will learn her lover isnt a free man but a married one, and will discover exactly how you intended to sort the housing issue. Think shell like that?
James stayed mute.
You have an hour, Blythe added. My friends arrive at five. Id rather they dont witness a family theatre.
She grabbed a spray bottle from the windowsill and began misting the plants.
The house fell silentonly the hiss of water and the occasional creak of floorboards as a man gathered his belongings.
Blythe smiled at her favourite violet. True life was only just beginning.
