But eventually, the jokes turned into insults.
“Just look at yourself. There was a time when every man turned his head to look at you. Now I feel embarrassed even walking beside you.”
I remained silent.
Not because his words didn’t hurt, but because I believed you didn’t throw away 38 years of marriage over a few cruel remarks.
For the past five years, Robert had barely hugged me.
We slept in separate bedrooms.
And I had already accepted the painful thought that, at my age, love was no longer meant for me.
But three weeks ago, something strange happened.
Robert came home carrying two plane tickets.
“Mary, we’re going to a tropical island. Just the two of us.”
I actually laughed.
“Robert, for years you haven’t even wanted to go to the swimming pool with me. What’s changed?”
He didn’t answer.
He simply said:
