The Grace of Leaving

After I got a second chance at life, I stopped bringing lunch to my wife, who had become the factory manager.

She would leave for meetings through the south gate, so I would sneak around through the north.

In my previous life, I knew she only married me with an ulterior motive, but I still fell for her. I thought I could warm her heart over time.

However, Shirley Scott was always just polite to me, nothing more.

When I tried to get close, she would hand me a book and say, "Read more so people won't look down on you."

Once, with a bit of liquid courage, I hugged her. Yet, she just stood there, stiff as a board, and said, "It's what married folks do."

Years later, as I was dying, I read her memoir and learned about how she felt trapped in our marriage, like being stuck in the mud. She hoped she would never have to be with me again in another life.

That hurt more than anything.

However, then, I woke up and discovered that I was back to when there were whispers about her and the factory's technician.

This time, I did not make a scene. I just asked for a divorce.

The moment I mentioned divorce, Shirley Scott's calm face wobbled for the first time.

Joshua Harris, who was smirking a second ago, suddenly looked like he was in pain. "Max, don't get it wrong," he said. "Shirley just likes my work. There's nothing going on between us. I came here to clear the air. If you're mad, take it out on me!" He bent over like he was about to apologize.

Shirley grabbed him, all worried, then turned to me and snapped, saying, "Max! Enough already! It's a tiny thing, and you're making a big deal out of it. Apologize to Joshua!"

Before I could even get a word in, I was the bad guy again, just like in my previous life. Every time I had trouble with Joshua back then, it was I who was in the wrong.

Shirley always took Joshua's side, no matter what. Everyone knew about our loud arguments.

People called me a simple and narrow-minded country bumpkin.

"I didn't say anything. Why should I say sorry?

"He's the one who's too soft, always bending over backward. Could I even stop him?"

Joshua did not think I would stay calm. He looked surprised when I snapped back at him.

His eyes got watery, and he kept up his act. "Max, you've got to believe me, there's nothing between Shirley and me..."

I was tired of his drama and cut him off. "Alright, I'll get a divorce. That'll clear the way for you, right?"

I looked down at his wrist, where he wore a watch. "If everything's so innocent, why is the watch Shirley worked so hard to buy on your wrist?

"Some acts become phony if you push them too far."

Joshua quickly covered his wrist as if it were on fire.

I had seen that watch before.

She hid it like a treasure the day she bought it and even made a wooden box for it.

Her hands, which never did any housework, got blisters from making that box.

I foolishly thought she was preparing a birthday gift for me.

I was so happy, waiting for my birthday.

However, on my birthday, I waited all day. The food got cold, and then I saw her with Joshua, walking under the streetlight.

She looked at him with a softness and shine I had never seen.

There was the watch on Joshua's wrist, as he bragged about it to her.

Shirley would not look at me, but she said, "I gave it to Joshua for his birthday a few days ago. Don't jump to conclusions."

Even though I was ready to let go, her words still stung.