Dating : Leaving Your Lover Used to Be as Easy as Handing Over a Lemon

My first marriage ended dozens of times before I left. It ended with long conversations, tears, and yelling. Some days it ended with him storming out. The day I knew it was actually over was the one that ended with a simple cold hug.

“Did you hear the news?” I asked as he walked in the door. “Yazmin almost died today.” I’d been rung about Yazmin, a family member, that morning. She was okay, but it had been a close call. I moved closer and wrapped my arms around him, wanting to be held. Wanting to be comforted by the only family near enough to comfort me. “I was so scared,” I said.

His arms hung loosely at his sides. “I’m leaving you.” I’d heard those words so often over our decade-and-a-half of marriage. I looked up at his face, took in his cold stare, the stiffness of his body, and I knew we we’re done.

“This is it,” I cry as my friend sits next to me on the porch. “He means it this time.” Some people’s lovers walk out to buy milk and never come back. I’m certain mine found himself at the grocery store, selecting his perfect leaving fruit.

I expect him to walk out that day. Pack his bags and disappear. He doesn’t.