Harriet noticed that James had put on his best shirt the same cream one theyd bought together last year for his birthday and his new shoes. He even wore cufflinks, despite the fact that on Sundays at home he always kept his slippers on.
Harriet, we need to talk, he said, standing by the window with his back to her.
She slowly set her coffee cup down. Her heart thumped, but not with fear it was curiosity that made it race.
James had clearly prepared for this conversation, as if it were a momentous occasion.
Then it struck her: he was expecting tears, pleading, 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 around. We both understand that.
Understand? she asked, surprised by the steadiness of her own voice, calm and almost intrigued.
James finally turned. His face showed surprise she hadnt reacted the way he had anticipated.
Well, were adults. Feelings have passed, why pretend?
Harriet sank back into her chair.
Twentytwo years of marriage. A son raised through his teenage years. Her own forties behind her. Now her real fifties seemed to be beginning.
What am I supposed to do? she asked simply.
Um James hesitated. You could stay with Lucy for a while, or rent somewhere. Ill help with some cash at first.
Lucy her sister, who had always thought Harriet wasted her life on James.
Help with cash, he said, as if it were a great generosity.
And what about you?
What? James seemed taken aback by the question. Nothing special yet. Maybe Ill sell the flat and buy something simpler.
The flat? Harriet tilted her head. That one?
Exactly. Whats wrong?
She rose and walked to the window. James instinctively stepped back.
Below, schoolchildren with backpacks marched down the street the new term had started. Life went on outside.
James, do you remember whose name is on the lease? she asked.
Mine, of course. Why?
Yours? a note of genuine surprise slipped into her voice. Are you sure?
For the first time he looked bewildered.
Of course. We bought it long ago, with money my mother gave me before we were married. Remember the recipes she passed on?
She had sold her council flat and told him, Its for your future. It turned out to be for theirs.
James fell silent.
We registered it in my name because you were unemployed then, searching for your calling. I needed proof of income for a bank loan.
Do you recall now?
But we we agreed
We agreed it was ours together. And it was, until you decided to keep everything for yourself.
Harriet sat back down, took her cup. The coffee was cold, but she sipped it anyway.
You know, James, I suddenly realise youre right. We really should part.
So? he perked up, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes.
Yes. And if you want a fresh start, lets do it honestly. I stay in the flat its mine. You find a new place on your own, with your own money.
Harriet, we could settle this amicably
Isnt that amicable? she smiled. You want freedom youll get it, full stop.
James sat opposite her. The best shirt now seemed pointless.
But I have no money for a new flat
And I have no intention of supporting you. You said were adults.
I thought we could resolve everything peacefully
Peacefully, yes. No shouting, no drama. Everyone gets what they want. You wanted me to leave, so you leave. Is that unfair?
Harriet rose, took her cup, and walked to the sink.
Her phone buzzed with a grocery delivery notification the order shed placed yesterday for today.
I need time to think, James muttered.
Of course, she replied, setting the cup down. Just dont stall. I have friends coming over this evening. Id rather not turn my home into a courtroom.
James slipped into the bedroom. Harriet heard his quiet, nervous phone call. She fetched the groceries and began chopping vegetables. Her movements were calm, almost meditative. Half an hour later he returned to the kitchen.
Harriet, maybe we rushed? Lets discuss again.
Whats there to discuss? she didnt look up from the board. Youve decided. I agreed. Everythings fair.
But the flat we invested in it together. Renovations, furniture
Renovation? Harriet finally looked at him. The one my dad did himself for free?
Or the furniture I bought on my salary while you were still searching for your path?
I always worked!
Worked, yes, but you spent your wages on yourself while I kept the household running. Remember I once said, A man needs his own money for selfrespect?
James fell silent.
And you once said you werent ready for children. Then when Thomas was born you said fatherhood scared you, yet now you brag about being a caring dad.
What does that have to do with anything?
It shows me you left not yesterday, not even last week, but only now.
Harriet set down the knife, faced him.
Tell me, James, does Olivia like the flat? Are you planning to buy something else?
He went pale.
What Olivia?
The one youve been emailing for the past six months. The one whos been at your firm for eight years, childless but eager.
Youve been watching me?
Why watch? You told me everything yourself. Remember that night three weeks ago? You came home happy, raving about a brilliant colleague. Smart, promising. The next day you bought a new shirt.
Harriet took a towel, dried her hands.
You also started showering before work, bought a new perfume, joined a gym for the first time in ten years.
Harriet
And now you take your phone into the bath, smile at the screen. Your smartwatch lit up with a message. You glanced at it, then covered your wrist.
Is Olivia texting? Harriet asked earnestly.
James sank into his chair.
I didnt plan
Plan what? To fall in love? To get caught?
It just happened. We talked at work, then
And then you thought itd be easier if I left. The flat stays yours, your reputation stays intact.
The wife left, so shes at fault. With Olivia you could start fresh.
Harriet sat opposite him.
Strangely, Im not angry. Im grateful. You helped me see Im stronger than I thought.
What will you do now?
Live. Here, in my flat. Maybe finally pursue that dream Ive always had but never dared. Ill finally have time for myself.
And Thomas?
Hes twentyone. Hes an adult. Hell sort out his parents behaviour.
James stood, paced the kitchen.
Harriet, maybe we can work something out? Im willing to pay you compensation
For what? she asked, genuinely surprised.
For the flat. For the years together.
James, you think buying my flat will let you bring a new lady home?
Not that blunt
Or youre offering me money so Ill voluntarily become homeless?
Harriet laughed, genuinely, without bitterness.
Honestly, I might have accepted out of pity, thinking poor thing, hes not evil, just loves someone else. Id have gone to Lucy and even apologised to you for not keeping you.
She walked to the window.
Now I see: you thought I was a convenient dummy who would endure anything. You were wrong.
So you wont leave?
No. You leave. Today. Take only your personal belongings.
What if I refuse?
Harriet turned to him, calm as someone who finally knows her strength.
Then tomorrow Olivia will learn her lover isnt a free man, but a married one. She smiled at her favourite violet on the sill.
The house fell silent, only the spray of water and the creak of floorboards as James packed his things.
Harriet smiled at the violet. Real life was just beginning.
Sometimes losing what you think you need reveals the strength you already possess, and the freedom to choose your own path.
