Chapter 9
I made a batch of pancakes to take on the road.
Opening my suitcase, all I had was two changes of clothes, my bank card, ID, and a bag of pancakes. These were my ten years as Jane Howard.
Starting today, I reclaim my life as Jane Wilson.
Zachary came back from buying groceries.
Seeing me zip up my luggage, he forced a smile.
“Jane, how about I make your favorite meatloaf tonight? It won’t take long.”
“Don’t bother.”
Zachary walked over. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a golden glow around me.
His lips trembled as he gently touched a strand of my graying hair, smiling sadly.
“Jane, you’ve worked so hard all these years. You even have gray hair now.”
I turned to face him directly.
“Yeah, being your wife and Kevin and Sherry’s mother has been exhausting.
Zachary, let’s get divorced.”
Zachary let out a heavy sigh.
“Jane… can I hold you one last time?”
I looked at Zachary with his red–rimmed eyes as he opened his arms slightly.
I took a step back and calmly refused.
“No need. Let’s just end this on good terms.”
Sitting on the train heading south, I looked down at the divorce papers in my hands.
Then I lifted my head to watch the scenery rushing past the window.
For the first time in years, my chest didn’t feel tight. I could finally breathe.
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