Chapter 7
That evening, as I stood on the doorstep of the home where I’d spent over twenty years, a wave of melancholy washed over me. I had traveled non-stop, day and night, without even letting my parents know I was coming. Now that I was here, a sudden doubt crept in-had I come back too abruptly?
I raised my hand to knock, but hesitated at the last moment. When I first introduced Grady to my parents, they were apprehensive. They didn’t want me to suffer with him, but despite their concerns, I had pushed through those tough times. Back then, I was stubborn beyond belief; I was determined to marry him.
Now, looking back, I could barely relate to who I used to be. If my younger self saw me now, would she still be so sure she wanted only him?
Amidst my thoughts, the door unexpectedly opened. My father, Marco, was about to take out the trash when he saw me standing there, looking disheveled. He didn’t immediately realize what was happening.
“Matilda, what are you doing here?” he asked, surprised. He glanced behind me, expecting to see Grady, and looked even more puzzled when he didn’t.
“Why are you here alone? Didn’t Grady come back with you?”
The allergic reaction had calmed down a bit, but my arms still itched unbearably. When I spoke, my voice trembled with emotion, “Dad, I’m going to divorce Grady.”
Shock briefly crossed his face before being replaced by a look of profound concern. “I knew that guy was trouble; I told you he’d change once he had money. It’s good you’re getting a divorce. Come on in, don’t just stand out here.”
Mom, Dahlia, was lounging on the couch watching TV. The moment she saw me, she sprang to her feet, instantly noticing my allergies. “Oh dear, why did you come back so suddenly, and with such a bad allergic reaction?”
“Have you taken any medicine? Let’s have your dad drive us to the hospital to get it checked out.”
That’s when I broke down in tears. At a crucial moment in my life, my husband had been indifferent, comforting another woman when I needed him most. In this world, it’s true-only your family genuinely cares for you.
That night, I slept soundly, freed from the weight of my earlier troubles. My heart felt significantly lighter.
