“You're already old, I've met a young & beautiful woman,” said the husband to his wife of 25 years

Mommy why do you sound so lifeless can you hear me are you there Gail's soft voice from the cell phone echoed with concern in her mother's ear yes yes sorry daughter you know how I can easily fall out of the conversation after work Samantha tried to infuse her voice with a semblance of light-hearted calmness so Tom Naomi and I are visiting you on Christmas or do you have any other plans let me know immediately so I Can quickly adjust air plans honey Frankly Speaking I I'm not sure about your dad's plans Samantha exhaled I can

only assume they're wonderful it's a shame to say but he left me for a younger beautiful woman they've been seeing each other for a while now so we're going to divorce officially I'm sorry to drop such news on Christmas you know I've never been good at keeping things from you Mommy I'm coming to see you as soon as Tom Gets home from work to watch Naomi I'll grab a cab and be there right away Gail I'm fine you don't need to disrupt a 2-year-old schedule because of me it won't make me feel any better mom

that kid has a dad a perfectly adequate responsible modern father you can fool anyone with your calm voice but not me I'll be an hour and a half Samantha listened to three quick beeps in the receiver and smiled sadly she considered herself fortunate to have The daughter like Gail not everyone is so lucky Samantha learned about the challenges of adolescence from other people's stories she also managed to avoid the drama of Gail's first love in fact there was no drama at all Gail took her studies seriously found a job in her second year and managed

to balance both by the end of her time at the college she had saved up for a vacation to Italy With a Little Help from her parents on the plane Gail met her future husband Tom they spent a week in Venice Florence and Rome 6 months after returning home they got married and welcomed to their first daughter Naomi Samantha found joy in her role as a devoted grandmother feeling almost perfectly content she and her husband Mark led a perfectly typical life for a longtime couple they didn't quarrel or dis dispute fundamental issues they lived in

Peace Mark was a good earner and managed money wisely until yesterday Noon Samantha was thinking her marital life was quite well she invested her whole heart and effort into her family not viewing it as a sacrifice it was her joy to care for her husband and maintain a Cozy home a sanctuary they both looked forward to returning to after work their apartment might not be larger or more comfortable than those of their friends but everyone loved to gather there during the holidays Samantha always had everything So well arranged Mark's friends often showed joking envy and

he seriously took Samantha's care of himself as a due for the past few years Mark had been working on building a country house dedicating all his spare time to it Samantha didn't have an opportunity to visit the construction site every week which initially caused her great concern however Mark reassured her saying Samantha relax no one can do everything at once you just want to be everywhere It would be better if you managed things here and I took care of things there Samantha understood or at least she thought she did he truly needed something of his

own where he was alone was the boss so she stepped back relinquishing control of the estate Affairs to her husband and yesterday morning she suddenly fell ill at work she experienced weakness and a headache so severe that her usual medication didn't help she must have looked quite Unwell because even her boss who was often described as indifferent looked at her and said Samantha sometimes it's better to take a couple of days of than to be sick for 2 weeks go home and rest come back to work the day after tomorrow tomorrow it won't affect your

paycheck I don't need exhausted employees I'm not as indifferent as some people claim Samantha nodded gratefully and headed home it's fascinating how we sometimes misjudge people especially our Bosses quietly Samantha entered the apartment trying not to make noise Mark had arrived late from a business trip and she didn't want to disturb his sleep however Mark wasn't sleeping from the living room she could hear a conversation judging by the lack of another voice Mark was on the phone but his voice and intonation were uncharacteristically different my sweet sunshine I'm coming over today my wife is pickling

Tomatoes After work today with a new recipe there are new recipes every year but the wife is getting older I'm sorry I'm just trying to joke around yes I'm going to tell her the truth soon I appreciate your understanding I really do I'm glad you don't want to spend Christmas without me I'll make a decision soon I promise my dear girl don't be naive try to understand my situation it's not easy for me I'm not devoid of emotions it's a marriage of more than 25 years and a Daughter raised I feel sorry for Samantha she's

becoming old wrapped up in just 5 years she'll look really old but she's dedicated to the family her pantry is full of things she has made she always aims for Perfection if I leave she'll be alone well she'll still have our daughter and son-in-law no it's not that I'm uncomfortable I don't care about her cooking and nice curtains in the house I don't want to spend the rest of my life Fishing on the lake just to escape from my wife I need joy in my life and you are my joy Samantha looked at herself in

the mirror and saw an aged gray tired woman she couldn't compete with anyone if it weren't for her throbbing headache she would have run outside aimlessly wandering until evening or until she regained control and her ability to think clearly but she didn't even have the energy to descend the Stairs she attempted to close the door quietly however her husband heard the sound he said goodbye to his conversationalist and stepped into the hallway I've decided not to do the Tomato pickling if you don't care Samantha managed to say mastering her remaining strength Samantha perhaps it's better

that you heard everything I hate lying to you I should have ended it long before you're a good person and I'm Sorry but there's no point in continuing this he replied yeah Samantha responded indifferently it's good that you at last recognize your old wife as a human being Samantha what's the point of this bitterness let's be honest I'm only 53 and I still crave love why should I give that up Gail is already an adult and has her own family and now we have almost nothing to connect us you're just Refusing to accept it clinging

to this empty shell of a marriage look after our granddaughter now you have someone to care for I could have lived like that like most people my age but I got lucky a beautiful young woman fell in love with me and I deeply love her not everyone is so fortunate this is my new life a genuine life one can't turn that down it's a gift thanks to her I now realize how unhappy I was this is my chance to start fresh you won't lose Out you're the mother of my daughter I'll leave you this apartment

I won't take anything from here except for my clothes and shoes I'll live in the house with her it's fair I had put my money and effort into it as for our car you don't drive and you didn't invest in it so it's logical that I keep it to myself I'll provide you with some initial funds we'll discuss the amount what if I ask for a lot Samantha asked we'll discuss it Mark patiently Repeated wow so deeply in love yet so rational you've thought all this out for a while haven't you only resolve was lacking

but everything else was well planned what a strategist you are Samantha can we handle this amicably please in case you haven't noticed I'm not barking at you like a dog I don't need to have this conversation at all I came home because I have a headache I'm going to take a warm bath it helps while I'm taking my bath gather Your belongings and papers don't leave anything behind and leave your keys you can file for divorce yourself I would like you not to drag it out I'll show up on the appointed day and hour and

we'll get divorced I don't need your money my salary is enough for me just don't show up after that so that the day of the divorce is the last time I see you and if you want you can give your share of the apartment to Gail so that your love won't disinherit the girl it's really Fair don't you think Mom how could you think of my inheritance at this moment Gail was quietly amazed when her mother finally told her what had happened and who should I be thinking about daughter Samantha Shrugged her shoulders shoulders and

a shadow of a sad grin crossed her pale face when such a thing happens it's necessary to hold on to something that will maintain interest in life I am happy I have you and my lovely son-in-law Tom and I also Have my cute granddaughter Naomi I promise not to burden you excessively with my care and not to turn into an annoying old grandmother which your father thinks I am I've reflected a bit and his words make sense I've always tried to ensure that he was wellfed dressed in clean clothes rested peacefully and surrounded by Comfort

it was like domestic service it seemed like the right thing to do for the family I didn't realize he needed anything else I Should have thought more about myself tried to be charming and things might have turned out differently although it's pointless to speculate about it now you're making excuses for him then asked Gail honestly mom you surprise me with this tendency to always blame yourself for everything it's too much I didn't tell you before but I will now I had a conversation with Dad about 3 years ago when he gifted you a blender on

your birthday it's a good blender it still Works Samantha nodded Mom it's not a gift it's just something you buy when you need it for no reason p then I suddenly remembered that for every holiday dad would give you some practical and useful household item when I told him about it he seemed surprised as if it were the first time he had heard that gifts could be perfume jewelry theater tickets or a spa visit something to show he sees you as a woman and wants to make you happy but he Didn't listen to me even

got angry saying I was still naive and trying to tell him how to treat his wife I didn't think much of it at the time and now it's come back to me Mom you were convenient for him you were content with a blender or multi cooker and didn't spend much on self-care he didn't want a beautiful will groomed wife he wanted a convenient one I hope his new girlfriend will have spent all his earnings on her beauty Gail you've even cheered me up Samantha smiled with a hint of confusion I didn't realize I'd raised you

to be so vindictive Mom I just love you very much I feel sorry for you and you certainly don't deserve such a thing all Tom's friends are jealous that he has such a mother-in-law they joke that he married me because of you father is just used to Delux care took it for granted all his life he'll be sorry you'll see I don't want him to regret anything let him go in peace thank you Gail but Please don't argue with Daddy you're an adult you're diplomatic and he's still your father our divorce is our business it

has nothing to do with you besides he promised to take care of your inheritance don't worry Mommy I won't give up my half of the Kingdom Gail reassured her mom with a smile if only to prevent some tooy predatory Shar from getting it I admire your self-control I never realized that you are so strong suddenly tears sprang from Samantha's Eyes as if breaking through an invisible Dam Gail daughter don't understand myself I wanted to scream I wanted to beg him don't leave me let's try to make things right I'll forgive everything I'll take everything into

account I just want you to stay but I held back I couldn't cry in front of him you're the one I trust and I'm crying in front of you and I'm not ashamed Gail got up from her chair went over and hugged her mother stroking her Head while Samantha sobbed and started to feel better oh Gail there there is some good news after all she said a few minutes later I've fallen out of love with him when I exited the bathroom he had already left the apartment was as clean as ever I automatically walked into

the closet needing something to occupy my hands the shelves were still neatly organized with gaps where his underwear used to be everything was in its place his shirts And jackets were gone along with their hangers so they won't Wrinkle in their new home the drawer where he kept his documents was also neat there was no mess as there might have been if he had left rushing or while emotional he was meticulously preparing for his new life suddenly I found the whole situation amusing and repulsive and I fell out of love with him just like that

in an instant really Mom I sincerely hope that's how You feel in fact it's a blessing if it's true you won't waste your time suffering needlessly instead said you'll live your life reconnect with old friends go to the theater you'll finally take care of yourself we can style your hair diet update your wardrobe we can even send you on a vacation to celebrate your divorce that sounds good doesn't it starting a new life as Gail suspected was only easy in theory in practice it was slow and laborious Samantha suddenly Had a lot of spare time

but but she wasn't excited about it you're just confused Samantha's friend Hillary reassured her you can't rebuild many years of life in a month don't rush yourself everything will fall into place Hillary had been living alone for several years her son had gone to the capital for his studies and stayed there after a disastrous marriage Hillary had no desire to remarry her ex-husband was a domineering man and barely managed to Escape from him he threatened to take their son in the event of a divorce using his influence and connections among other threats but fortunately he

ended up in jail due to some shady dealings as Hillary explained taking advantage of the situation Hillary quickly divorced him and moved to another city her son joined the same class where Gail was studying and that's how the two young mothers met at a parent teacher meeting Hillary cherished her freedom and knew how to use it she might not have been traditionally beautiful but she was Charming friendly and positive she attracted men and wasn't afraid to engage in relationships but she would promptly end them if she felt they were trying to control her you're so

wary maybe you can imagine it sometimes Samantha speculated listening to the reason for another breakup no Samantha I Tred try to judge People with an open mind but consider this he prefers a woman in dresses heels while I'm alwayss in jeans and sneakers I'm not feminine enough for him but Samantha you know I really despise heels I prefer comfortable shoes not this 20th century attire I run I don't Glide like a swan I wasn't lying to him pretending to be someone else when I met him I was wearing sneak because why should a man try

to change me when he could find a woman who naturally fits his Preferences Hillary he needs you but he just has different Tas in clothes you're missing the point it's not about my appearance it's about control I've had enough of these pyan types it always starts this way it started this way with my husband too arguing with Hillary was F utile and back then Samantha had no desire to do so Samantha was much less experienced in relationships she had only been with Mark who she married young and there Were no other men in her life

however Samantha never regretted this even now she believed her lack of experience had saved her from many disappointments it amazed her how Hillary wasn't afraid to start over each time Samantha herself wouldn't pursue another relationship now Samantha met Mark at a typical disco in their local Club on that night she had gone out for the first time encouraged by her friends and her mother why stay at home no one will come knocking on Your door her mother had said worried worried because Samantha was in her 20s and hadn't met anyone yet in the mother's opinion

her daughter though not strikingly beautiful was pretty with a slim waist thick slightly curly brown hair and soft honey color eyes however Samantha was slly self-conscious about her appearance which she thought was too ordinary you're too hard on yourself you shouldn't be her mother reassured her at the party a skinny handsome brunette Dressed stylishly and sober unlike many others at the Disco approached Samantha and said quite politely hi my name is Mark I haven't seen you here before Samantha I don't usually come to places like this I here with the girls just for company how

do you find it too many drunks I don't like it I don't think I'll be coming back here yeah me neither listen Samantha would you like to go to a Cozy Cafe and talk I'd like to invite you let's go Samantha said sounding Confused she was eager to leave and Mark seemed sincere and kind plus she'd never been invited out except by her girlfriends by the end end of the evening Samantha had learned a bit about Mark he's a young professional in Railway production with some kind of engineering speciality not everyone needs to chase the

market some of us need to do serious complex and sometimes boring work to prevent civilization from Stagnating Mark had high aspirations and he was confident he would succeed he owned an apartment inherited from his grandfather but dreamed of building his own house he was the only son in his family and preferred hard rock music over the pop music played in discos later that night he walked Samantha home and his respectful demeanor earned him the girl's mother's approval she appreciated that he was polite and not like the modern guys the Day after Samantha's friend Annie paid

her an unexpected visit I was stunned when you ran away from the Disco yesterday with Mark Rosenfeld you should know he has something about him he left with you just to anger his girlfriend Monica she's my neighbor the one many men are chasing Monica kept Mark in a friend zone for nearly 2 years I don't know why she needed him probably just to increase her collection well he is handsome don't You think he was serious and didn't realize he was just one of many when she got bored with him she stopped hiding her other suitors

from him now Mark is following her around watching her probably to annoy her to make her feel uncomfortable but he's hoping in vain it's nearly impossible to embarrass Monica she's only amused by it all I thought you might be interested because what if you're hoping for something with him Samantha didn't anticipate anything Special but something made her sad whatever Annie said Mark was a good guy he was kind and considerate entertaining her all evening treating her to ice cream and expensive cakes and coffee since Monica had not seen his advances to Samantha he could have

done without them nevertheless he arranged a pleasant evening for her Samantha couldn't shake off her sadness for two full days on the third evening the doorbell rang her mother expecting her friend opened the Door to find Mark standing there with a small bouquet and a cake from that evening they began to go out together from time to time Samantha quickly fell in love with him angry at herself for this and tried not to think about why he really needs her her mother tried to comfort her saying oh Samantha don't pay attention to all the gossip

there are plenty of envious girls but sincere friends are few you can't help who you fall for no one is forcing him to see You but he visits you almost every day hey it means he likes you he compared you to his ex-girlfriend and realized you're better Samantha listened to her mother in silence objected to her only to herself so as not to upset she and Mark were still just friends it lasted until Mark's birthday amidst the warm and windless jly days they celebrated the holiday at his family's Country House there were only Mark's parents

and a friend from his university with his wife there they had just returned from their honeymoon to the Sea for Samantha this was the day she met Mark's parents her mother took it as a sign of the seriousness of Mark's intentions as for Samantha she didn't believe the relationship would last she thought mark would disappear as swiftly as he had appeared if he didn't return to Monica he'd find another woman he was too handsome and promising for Samantha and he must have known that her friends hinted at this and Samantha herself thought the same but

deep down she still wanted to believe that her mother was right that evening was the happiest she'd ever had both her father and mother and Mark's friend Peter liked her and as the day turned into evening her confidence grew that this day was special Mark's parents went into town for the night Peter and his wife Megan quickly secluded themselves in the Prepared mansard leaving Mark and Samantha Alone by the outdoor fireplace Mark seemed delighted with their Solitude he took out a bottle of expensive champagne a birthday gift from his boss and proposed they enjoy it

alone let's Savor this luxurious treat he suggested raising her glass filled with effervescent bubbles Samantha proposed a simple toast I'm so happy that it's you I love Mark you are the best the absolute best he responded and They spent their first night together in the morning after accompanying their friends Mark drove Samantha home but then returned in 5 minutes with a bouquet of burgundy roses well Samantha slightly asked her mother having ensured that her daughter's boyfriend had left you look happy did he propose no Mom he didn't but really everything was wonderful oh I'm sure

he will I can see that the mother promised Confidently two days later the entire Rosenfeld family appeared on the doorstep of Samantha's home Mark's father while arranging Delicacies on the table announced that they were traditional people so they decided to propose to Samantha in a domestic setting however the wedding would be in a restaurant according to all the Traditions back then many girls still dreamed of a grand large and formal wedding but Samantha was not among them She desired the kind of wedding her daughter Gail would have a quarter Century later simple elegant and only

for the closest people she also wanted a honeymoon trip that would be remembered for a lifetime however no one sought her opinion about her own wedding and she didn't even notice it then she was sitting at the table discussing something with her mother and future mother-in-law hardly able to believe That all this was happening to her her beloved Mark wanted her as his wife and she was determined to ensure he'd never regret it and so a quarter of a century later Mark and Samantha completed their married life the man was again experiencing a long lost

feeling of happiness and he was relieved that his divorce from his indifferent aging wife was proceeding smoothly much easier than he had anticipated Samantha had let him go without any arguments threats or Tears had she also stayed with him out of inertia for too long this thought alleviated some of his guilt but also pierced his ego he had believed he was the center of Samantha's world yet she seemed to let him go without a second thought Sam samtha kept her promise made on the day Mark left she had no claims as long as Gail's interests

were respected she looked at Mark Without Blame like a fellow commuter on a crowded Subway as if he would soon make Room after they were declared divorced she casually said bye and left she didn't look like someone who was lost and unhappy and Mark had the strange feeling that he didn't really know his ex-wife I wonder how long she has been practicing this independent look his friends called him a fool when they found out about his sudden life change some were blunt others diplomatic but the message remained the same Mark didn't take offense because he

felt he Was right they're simply envious a single look at Alexa's photo is enough to spark the Envy in everyone of them or they just never experienced such a feeling so they can't understand me Mark convinced himself he had been like that himself thinking it was normal to come home to a familiar wife an age together unnoticed they were all just living in a state of hibernation but he had suddenly woken up Mark heeding his father's advice never regretted marrying Samantha he initially courted her to make Monica jealous however his value did not rise in

the girl's eyes surprisingly he wasn't upset and was grateful to Samantha for freeing him from the obsession that had consumed him for the past 2 years in Samantha's Company Mark felt comfortable and confident and the girl didn't demand anything from him she merely enjoyed his company his parents noticed the change in mark it was impossible not to he Stopped being irritable no longer disappeared at night established a routine and reignited his interest in work and career they had worried for two years about their son's infatuation with a girl who in their opinion only wanted to

sell herself more expensive now they quietly celebrated the change careful not to jinx unclear prospects by asking too many questions of course Mark's mother made some inquiries their Town wasn't so large That they couldn't find mutual acquaintances do you remember my classmate who knits for people Mrs Rosenfeld excitedly sh with her husband as he came home from work her cousin is a dispatcher at the same Depot where the girl our Mar is dating works in the Personnel Department she says that Samantha is really nice and serious and generally without any trouble we'll see Dad responded

chuckling it's not our Decision to make anyway Mark usually avoided discussing his personal life with his father due to their differences and because his father had never approved of his previous choices however after he introduced Samantha to his family on his birthday his father said we need to talk Sunny Samantha is a decent girl not worse than your ex your mother and I noticed the way she looks at you if you marry her you'll always feel welcome and be cared Over time you'll come to appreciate this if I were you I'd marry her right away

you won't regret it you'll remember my words with gratitude when I'm gone and trust me other girls won't run away you'll have enough for your lifetime if you wish and so Mark got married his parents have passed away if they were still alive he might not have been able to face the turbulent changes in his life because he would have had to keep his divorce from Samantha a secret Forever his parents who loved Samantha as their own daughter would never have accepted it sometimes he missed his parents but he was relieved that his beloved Alexa

wouldn't have to deal with the undeserved disapproval of his relatives his only relative left was Gail who didn't want to meet Alexa Alexa is just a few years older than you you might have something in common he Suggested Dad if I had to live with your girlfriend I would find something in common with her to avoid negativity but I don't see the the need I'm sorry we might never meet in our lives I think your girlfriend would be okay with that too I've already agreed to mom's request not to hurt your feelings or say mean

things to you which is challenging enough for me now so please don't make my life more difficult Mark understood Gail had always been closer to her Mother than him but Alexa was upset about Gail's refusal to meet her I'm not even offended for myself but if you your daughter doesn't seem to make even the slightest effort to understand her father's feelings you have done and continue to do everything for her it's so easy for her to accept an apartment share as a gift yet doing something nice for her father seems like an insurmountable task she

looked genuinely upset and Mark had to comfort her for Quite a while in the first two months of her Newfound Freedom Samantha worked hard to change her old way of life life initially adopting the simplest methods guys how about I come over every weekend to spend the entire day with Naomi studying and playing while you two get some alone time she suggested Gail and her husband declined the offer intending to raise their daughter themselves please don't take offense mom we'd rather go out together Sometimes the cultural program crafted for her by Gail and Hillary was

intriguing yet but it somehow failed to impress Samantha she felt out of place when her daughter or friend took her to the theater or an Art Exhibit their attempts to entertain her fell flat but Samantha tried to show genuine Joy listen it feels like you're forcing yourself Hillary remarked sharply you don't need to pretend for our sake consider what You truly want for yourself I just want to let found with a book undisturbed Samantha confessed eventually her friend and daughter persuaded Samantha to take a vacation among Lena's numerous acquaintances there was a travel agent with

very favorable offers in April Samantha flew to Egypt for 10 days being away from home was like being on another planet which made her extremely happy she realized she hadn't been to the Sea For 10 years she used to go every year with G however when Mark started building a house it consumed nearly all of their finances since then Gail went to the Sea alone attending children's and youth camps in Egypt Samantha preferred to rest alone avoiding noisy groups and was content with her Solitude she returned home completely rejuvenated readily shifting from relaxation to her

routine and then she realized she had almost almost forgotten about Tom's Parents 30-year wedding anniversary happening the day after her return fortunately her daughter who greeted her upon her return had it sorted out and even had purchased the presents on their behalf the wedding anniversary was decided to celebrate at the Lost in the Wood Manor house which hardly came as a surprise to the invitees Tom's parents who were not fans of ostentatious restaurants and preferred n loved fishing trekking and beautiful Walks Samantha breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that the event didn't require a

meticulous selection of dress heels or elaborate hair and makeup and instead of an extended preparation on the day of the anniversary Samantha enjoyed a good night's sleep a leisurely cup of coffee and dressed comfortably in loose beige pants and a snow white she chose to let her hair hang loose around her shoulders well whoever says women over 40 Shouldn't have long hair can keep their opinion to themselves she thought she had forgotten how well her Honey brown eyes complimented her tan Samantha liked the reflection in the mirror she couldn't precisely recall when this self-appreciation began

perhaps during a vacation when she felt a heavy burden lift from her chest and found joy in simply living a little more time passed and for Mark things became not so cheerful it seemed that only recently he And Alexa had celebrated New Year and it was already August it was necessary to think about a vacation to plan something interesting but there was neither strength nor ideas Mark was so exhausted from the last year as he had never been exhausted since his senior year when he combined work with business trips and his studies but then he

was just a young man and such a regimen was easier for him the worst part was that Alexa said once that he had transformed from a Lively man to a dull and tedious person despite his efforts The Mention Of efforts caught Mark's attention as he felt he was the one and only putting in the efforts he didn't mind Alexa's lifestyle but he wished she had understand that he couldn't always keep up with the Eternal Feast I'm not a Showman I'm a chief engineer of the project honey he used to joke well Alexa isn't to blame

Mark confided in his old friend Peter over a glass of whiskey she's sensitive young and desired a lively life filled with new experiences she is relying on me to provide that you know I'm struggling to figure out where to take Alexa for the next New Year we visited the Emirates in March and we're going to visit Hawaii in September and I can't afford three trips in a year plus I have some house issues you've become overly anxious Mark love can be exhausting and that's your Case you're as busy as a housewife with three kids Peter

remarked slightly Tipsy from the whiskey thanks for the support and advice buddy Mark responded stung by the comparison you're welcome if not an old friend who else will tell you the truth now let's get back to to the specifics how do you want to celebrate New Year I would have stayed home Mark grinned we would have invited you and Megan we used to celebrate every year like that what Was wrong with that we've already been invited so I'm sorry listen why don't you and your partner stay home together you two shouldn't be tired of each

other yet romantic music candles pillows huh we spent New Year's Eve at home last year because we didn't have an opportunity to book anything decent with this divorce you know it's been a mess Alexa might get offended if we spend another New Year's Eve at home well I've never had such a problem To be honest Peter waved his hands I don't even know what to advise you listen what if your Alexa goes back to work she would definitely be less bored and appreciate simple Recreation more oh don't give me that look I'm not suggesting she

should be hauling weights sitting behind the cash register at the supermarket or monitoring a conveyor belt doesn't she have some kind of elegant profession didn't she have a life before you she's not a school girl After all she worked in a flower shop I told you there you might buy her a course for New Year's Eve to be a topnotch creative florist it could land her a job in a cool place I'm absolutely serious this gift shows you genuinely care am I wrong I think about it Mark replied wearily over the years finding common ground

with his old friend had become increasingly difficult they had less in common now than in their youth but Mark Wasn't prepared to completely cut ties with him after meeting Peter Mark had planned to visit his sick colleague pick up some paperwork and discuss certain matters however he decided to postpone the visit he wanted to go home so he rescheduled the meeting for the next morning on his way he stopped at Alexa's favorite Bakery in the wine shop driving home he realized he had forgotten to inform Alexa that he wouldn't be home 2 hours early well

it would be a Surprise the light was on in the living room but the soft melodic voice echoed From the Terrace Alexa Had A peculiar habit of chatting with her girlfriends in the evenings sitting on the open Terrace and St staring the distant line of street lights along the highway this was understandable in the summer but seemed less comfortable in the winter nonetheless Alexa assured Mark she was fine she would just put on her coat slip her feet into her boots and step out for A chat I don't want my serious beloved man to overhear

my silly chatting with my friends she used to say with a shrug a few times Mark had overheard her because he was curious he found out that these conversations were filled with trivial girl talk sharing manicurist recommendations discussing swimming pools boasting about gifts in these conversations Alexa seemed content with her life which pleased mark from then on he didn't e Drop anymore now she was conversing against a backdrop of light rhythmic music oblivious to Mark's arrival the man followed her voice which resembled the sound of a bubbling brook along the wall towards the Terrace picking

up on individual words as he got closer I think about him very often right down to the most delightful details what would happen if I decide I fully understand that he can't give me Anything but that yes that's it that's what I mean Sunni I really don't want to be a foolish person who spoils everything for a fleeting thrill yes you're absolutely right that's why I haven't decided to meet him alone yet and I probably never will and I can't take that risk you're right I can't pretend that well I'll mess up somewhere Mark may

be a little old for me but he's Dependable yes he has proposed to me I agree such opportunities shouldn't be Thrown away you realize that when you hit 30 you'll definitely do everything for me unlike those who insist on splitting a restaurant Bill thanks for listening goodbye Sunni kiss you the door snapped like a coffin board and Alexa's light footsteps fell silent in the house Mark stood his forehead resting against the cold wall of his house contemplating when did it get so cold it wasn't long ago that it was warm here he Was thankful for

Alexa's chatting nature otherwise he might have married her and signed over his house without a second thought Gail would inherit the apartment and her Tom was from a prosperous family on the other hand Alexa only had him and she had subtly persuaded him to this point making him believe it was his independent decision he realized that he was the fool having fallen into the age-old Trap like many before him Mark could could not dare to go into his own House and throw his fiance out like a stray cat after all he had been happy with

her for a while even if there was self-deception finally Mark decided he would give her the money he had saved for a vacation in Hawaii it was just enough for her to get by until she found a job she could move back with her mother or find a thrilling new relationship finally Mark took his courage and walked resolutely into the house and then There was a great Scandal left alone Mark reached for the bottle of expensive sparkling wine he had bought at the wine shop well he muttered let's celebrate he never believed in the law

of the boomerang thinking it was a consolation for losers he thought that everyone gets what they can take for themselves dismissing the rest as mystical but now this mysticism had a place in his real life life what had Samantha felt listening to His phone conversation just 6 months had passed and the boomerang had struck him it was Swift and unexpected fate had been kind he hadn't had time to marry and invest heavily in Alexa's well-being Samantha had been with him for a quarter of a century always alleviating his weariness when he returned home he had

everything that constituted warm well-being a State many only dream of his father was right he had never regretted his sensible Convenient choice now without a father or mother or friends there was only one place left on Earth where he could go he accepted he would do anything to stay but not now not in such a miserable State he needed time to think things over to sleep to work and to find the right words a week had passed and here Mark was standing in front of his ex-wife's house he had left the keys to their apartment

in the mailbox on the day he Moved out so he had to wait for Samantha to come home mark found a parking spot around the corner from a nearby Office Center left his car there and went for a walk Samantha's probably helping Gail take care of Naomi right now because Gail may have gone back to work that would be very much like her I haven't heard anything from her since the January she hasn't called me only wishing me a happy birthday via text message well I'll make up for all this Go fishing with my son-in-law

and help with Naomi Gail doesn't know how to be angry for long and play Snow Queen she's very much like her mother Mark realized he was on his third cup of espresso it was time to leave because Samantha must be home by now for sure lights were on in the kitchen and living room windows hesitant Mark stood in front front of the intercom but after a couple of minutes the door opened a thin elderly lady with a small dog on a brightly Colored harness came out ignoring the woman's condescendingly mocking look Mark entered the building

in a minute he found himself on the familiar third floor in front of the light gray door and pressed the Bell Samantha opened the door almost immediately Mark got the impression that she initially wanted to slam the door shut because he could enter but then she seemed to change her mind Mark hesitated to step over this until Samantha nonchalant invited him in Asking come in what's wrong his ex-wife looked different yet familiar she had always been of average height and build neither heavy nor light but now she seemed Airy and Casual embodying the grace of

a young girl the woman had applied a dark chocolate shade of makeup which complimented her unusually warm eye color and skin tone her hair was not in its typical Sleek ponytail but was Loosely scattered over her shoulders reminiscent of the models in Renaissance Paintings she wore a simple flowing burgundy knee length dress with a daring neckline that accentuated her slender waist it seemed that Samantha appeared 10 years younger you've become stunning Mark said in amazing ment yeah thanks Samantha replied without pretense her Honey brown eyes smiling politely as if she had heard that every day

of her life she paused briefly expecting him to say more but he Remained silent then gently and without irritation she continued listen Mark if you have important business with me say it now I'm expecting guests you didn't call ahead and I have my own plans I can't spare much time right now I'm sorry could you forgive me he asked in a breath I forgave you a long time ago Samantha answered with a peaceful smile Mark did you join some secret society for your career that requires notorized Forgiveness from Ex-Wives you should call Gail more often

she may not admit it but she misses you now why are you here I want her family back I want to make things right I was an idiot I made the worst mistake and I'll admit it I understand that you need time think it over and let me know when I can visit I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and your young girlfriend you were so enthusiastic I didn't have the heart to Call you a sneak or anything like that and it doesn't make any more sense now I have a man I love look

we're adults markk began again you had every right to retaliate after my foolish blank you certainly proved me wrong can we agree not to revisit these past Misadventures Mark you've misunderstood me Samantha replied or rather you didn't listen I wasn't trying to prove anything or seek revenge after all these years you should know I wouldn't stoop to such Pettiness it's not a flck I'm getting married and that's how it happened at the wedding anniversary Samantha arrived early with her daughter son-in-law and granddaughter Tom always left early for lengthy trips half jokingly claiming that his girls

would inevitably forget something need to return make multiple stops and take photos at Scenic spots more or less that's how it unfolded but it never hindered the family from Arriving before the appointed time Rachel and Adam the perpetrators of the celebration were discussing catering with the campground owner Gail and Tom immediately went to inspect the meat for the barbecue meanwhile Samantha and Naomi headed off to explore the lake the little girl was running around her grandmother who after her leisurely vacation was a little unused to the fast pace of life and let her guard down

the woman did not expect that there would be A rubber boat hidden in the gap between the reads nor did she expect Naomi to LEAP into it the boat began to rock Samantha froze in shock and was about to rush to rescue her granddaughter as a silent fisherman in fishing boots materialized from somewhere and gently pulled Naomi out of the boat the girl was not frightened and not upset only giggled and showed him her tongue hello please take her said the man handing Naomi over to Samantha thank you you responded Samantha coming out of her

days and they shared a brief laugh the fisherman had a tidy short beard hair trimmed with silver and cheerful gray eyes excuse me Samantha said to him adding we're here for a wedding anniversary we arrived early so we are having Adventures while waiting for the others everyone here is like that the fisherman replied including me I'm James a classmate of Adam I am Samantha the Mother of their daughter-in-law and this curious girl is Naomi their granddaughter Samantha introduced them both from that moment on she and James were together they sat together chatted about everything in

the world and only danced with each other on the creaky wooden Terrace everyone took it for granted as if they had been a couple for a long time which seemed both strange and delightful they were comfortable with each other not afraid to say or do Something wrong that might ruin everything in the evening Rachel helped Samantha put their Restless granddaughter to bed who finally settled down covering the little girl with a blanket Rachel spoke softly to Samantha James is a very good man we used to interact daily in our University time but then life took

us to different cities he's been living in another state for many years yet we visit each other annually his wife passed away 7 years Ago heart disease I expect that's why they didn't have children they didn't want to take the risk James is alone truly alone casual relationships aren't his style he needs someone to care for him he's self-sufficient but his Solitude doesn't make him happy Adam and I decided to make a show of our wedding anniversary for a reason we had a hunch something good would come out of it you know if someone had

told me yesterday that I could be in this situation I Would have laughed incredulously Samantha responded quietly Naomi fell into a deep sleep and both women returned to their guests the wedding celebration carried on the next day people divided into groups based on interests and Scattered under the beach canopies near the fireplace or in the Arbors At The forest's Edge James was rowing Samantha around the lake in a boat wrapped in a Woolen blanket she enjoyed the bright Spring day when the celebration was over everyone went to their homes James called daily and visited Samantha

twice a month the woman also visited him several times during her last visit in early September James tenderly slipped a beautiful ring onto Samantha's finger if you agree to marry me consider this an engagement ring if not it's just a heartfelt gift he declared on her return Samantha shared the news with her daughter despite her Excitement she tried to maintain a composed demeanor considering all factors I've worked at this Agency for so many years Gail and I know how difficult it is for women my age to find work in my field in another place to

employers we're practically retirees not everyone sees the value we offer mom there are other recruitment agencies and by the way you've considered changing jobs multiple times this could be your opportunity Gail Counted and you and Naomi Samantha hesitantly put forth another argument that must have seemed significant you're used to me always being available if you need anything that's not a valid argument I don't mean that your help isn't necessary however you know perfectly well that you're not so helpless as to make my young beautiful mother a full-time grandmother if we need to we have Tom's

parents here but we don't Have any in other very interesting cities which is a Pity so a happy grandmother in another state means a personal tour guide on vacation there's so much for Naomi to see when she gets a bit older Mom I'm joking of course but you should see yourself flying around completely enthralled don't pretend there's anything you care about more than your current love it's completely normal and we're all happy for you after that Conversation Samantha wrote a resignation letter that day after work she awaited Hillary's visit who had promised to bring a

wedding hair stylist she knew despite her usual aversion to Lena had insisted you can go to your wedding even in a jumpsuit but it would be a crime not to make a stylish hair do out of your beautiful hair Samantha laughed and agreed looking forward to surprising James however that evening took an unexpected turn when her Ex-husband showed up Samantha I understand that you tried to escape your loneliness but look this incident turned out to be beneficial for both of us you've blossomed and I've learned to appreciate what I have instead of chasing Illusions we

both know it's not wise to seek Adventure at our age we share so much in common it won't be hard for us to start over the house is finished you'll love it we could live there and Rent this apartment Out imagine no more cramped space and the wood suggest a Stones throw away we go flower picking which you love and some we can vacation by the Sea taking our granddaughter or it could just be the two of us to rekindle our feelings everything has fallen apart Mark there's nothing to rebuild Samantha said without a trace

of gloating or irritation I'm grateful for the good times we had for our wonderful daughter Even for this incident as you call it before this I didn't truly know myself what could I be what kind of person could be with me what happiness feels like I could have lived my whole life without knowing you must understand me because you said something similar a year ago I was wrong Samantha aren't you afraid of being wrong like me I not afraid Samantha replied with a quiet smile Mark's eyes sparkled with cold anger and the woman decided it

was Time for him to leave she didn't want to trade insults they had no place in her life now but suddenly the doorbell rang and Hillary entered accompanied by a tall thin girl wearing a hat with a large pom pom here we are Hillary said from the doorway this is Chloe our wedding fairy and this is Samantha our bride oh and this is Samantha's ex-husband he must have come to wish his ex-wife happiness in her new marriage very modern hello Mark after shooting Hillary a look full of anything but Goodwill Mark grabbed his jacket from

The Hanger and left without looking back he didn't remember how he ended up on the street how he was driving home however not far from home he was stopped for speeding we exceed the speed limit the traffic officer stated the fact tiredly I don't care about your fines Mark replied indifferently my ex-wife left me I was on my way back to her I thought she would be happy forgive me But she's getting married that's a woman's Fidelity she was a decent woman who had a house a job a granddaughter in her head what to speak

of others Mark had a desperate sudden urge to speak out to someone he didn't know getting home mark immediately called Gail apologized for not calling for a long time asked about Naomi and when he could see them all maybe we can go out together somewhere like a water park or something Naomi Likes dad did something happen to you Gail asked immediately yes daughter and I need an ally in your face there's just no one else to talk your mom out of doing a stupid thing not so long ago you were such a romantic putting your

passion above everything else sneered the daughter with a tiny hint of gloating Samantha's a smart woman and smart people learn from other people's Mistakes don't you want mom and dad to be together again Gail Mark continued to persuade his daughter daddy Gail replied gently let's be honest I've outgrown the potential teenage trauma of parents divorcing your marriage has run its course I'm really sorry you ended up with a woman like Alexa but you're still a pretty good catch however if Mom agreed to return to you now that would be a mistake that's why I'd try

to dissuade Her you were with her because it was convenient she deserves to be loved now she has that love and I wish the same for you I see now that you have a share in the apartment you have no more need for a father right you ungrateful brat the man hung up abruptly and turned off his phone he didn't want to get up in the next morning and moreover he couldn't The Hangover felt heavier after solitary drinking than after the same Amount of alcohol consumed in a jial gathering luckily after a stimulating shower Mark

began to feel more alert he switched on his mobile phone accustomed to holding positions of responsibility he always felt the need to stay connected without communication he felt detached from the world fearing of missing something important he spotted 13 unanswered calls all from Alexa evidently he hadn't been very persuasive when he asked her to leave his life he Simply couldn't be harsh with her she possessed a unique ability to look at a man in a way that made him want to pamper her and she could exploit this skill as long as there were fools like

him around Mark's thoughts were interrupted by a call There She is again okay I'm not going to run away like a boy the man thought Mark don't just hang up pleaded a melodious Angelic voice which would have softened even a Stone just listen to me it could be important for you too Alexa it's unlikely you'll come up with something new to convince me trust has been lost let let's not waste time but I am pregnant Alexa sobbed into the phone desperately and I haven't been with anyone else no one but you sure I've had fantasies

but I've never acted on them who hasn't I would never cheat on you I didn't know about the baby when you kicked me out yesterday I took a Test and found out you can take a DNA test to confirm it's your baby hold on a minute Mark managed to interrupt do you want to keep the baby yes I do it's time for me and I really want to so you're calling to get financial support for the baby no I need his father he needs his father Alexa cried Alexa quit the theatrics I'm not pretending I

genuinely Want things to improve between us I promise I won't lie to you again and with a baby I won't have time to be silly Alexa was raised singlehandedly by her mother who showered her with affection and dressed her like a doll her mother was a skilled seamstress working flexible hours and taking orders at home from the age of three Alexa was enrolled in dance classes and various extra curricular activities other than dancing and singing Alexa showed little Interest in anything else her academic performance was average but her charm and ability to lift the spirits

of even the sternest teachers often earned her higher grades Alexa grew into a beautiful artistic girl with a graceful figure with her looks she could have become an actress but she lacked the determination required she was only interested in what came easily to her and the idea of exerting effort towards a goal often led To bouts of enway if it's so hard it's not worth it she used to think Alexa's mother worried that her daughter would repeat her own Fate by falling into a fleeting romance and ending up alone with a child she urged her

sincerely and patiently saying Alexa neither of us have money or connections nor any special talents or Ambitions but your Bey beautiful sweet and easygoing Everyone likes you that's a valuable asset you only need to make One wise decision in choosing a husband who will care for you so you don't end up toiling endlessly like I do there's nothing glamorous about such a life understanding algebra and chemistry was challenging for Alexa but she grasped her mother's advice instantly she politely sweetly and sympathetically turns down any suor who couldn't provide a secure life occasionally she felt upset

and even spent a month or two wallowing she liked some of the boys Quite a lot but her mother's life and those of many women around her served as a starp reminder love doesn't last forever and what follows is a struggle with life's hardships either alone or with a partner she didn't dream of winning over a wealthy man and didn't believe in such fairy tales being a practical person she would be content with a well-to-do man who stood firm on his own two feet someone she could completely trust she avoided casual Flings to protect her

reputation the city might seem vast but is it really by the age of 30 she had only two relationships both more or less aligning with her plans but in both cases the presence of wives and underage children derailed her plans despite these setbacks Alexa remained undeterred after meeting Mark Rosenfeld she knew he was the one he had visited her floral shop for an original bouquet for his boss's wife whose birthday party he was going To attend this isn't a corporate event but a personal celebration he explained to Alexa helping her to understand what type of

bouquet he needed Alexa liked the visitor she had her principles and refused even promising matches if the man didn't seem Pleasant now she smiled and moved so that he would definitely come again she considered herself fortunate Mark's daughter was already married and his wife was of a type that Alexa didn't find Threatening it is only necessary to behave correctly to finally grow up and not fall for young Fitness instructors and other Seekers of entertainment she also thought having a child wouldn't be a bad idea she really liked kids a month after Alexa's call Mark was

sitting with his friend at a bar what can I tell you Peter mused this situation isn't the worst for you the feeling of not being needed by anyone is probably much worse your parents are gone your ex-wife and Daughter are happy without you and now you're becoming a father again late fatherhood is often the most fulfilling what if you have a son you've always envied me for having two boys you'll take care of him become the favorite authoritative daddy the big boss I'm not saying you should live with his mother but that's up to you

but I can't believe that all your love for her evaporated at once leaving the bar Peter took a cab home while Mark chose to walk to clear His head from the Brandy Haze the bar was in the city center near Train Station Square Mark felt drawn to walk through the bustling crowd a train seemed to have recently arrived the people carrying luggage entering the square eagerly chatting with their welcoming parties suddenly Mark spotted Samantha she was wearing a stylish Crimson jacket and looking youthful a Tall Bearded man gently held her by the Shoulders Mark paused

underneath a lantern and they noticed him hi Mark said Samantha with a casual air I Samantha my congrat rul ations upon your upcoming wedding and I'm about to become a father wow that's great Samantha's companion smiled broadly and genuinely then we extend our congratulations to you too thanks well I'll return to my family now Mark waved and disappeared into the crowd who was that slightly inebriated And melancholic gentleman James humorously raised an eyebrow my ex-husband Samantha replied if he's telling the truth I'm happy for him well then I'm glad for him too I owe him

for being so stupid and leaving you alone after watching them get into the cab chattering and laughing Mark went up to another cab and said Alexa address