My Wife and I Hadn’t Spoken in 10 Years Until I Found Out She Was Getting Married Again – Story of the Day

My runaway bride reappeared ten years later in heels and a power suit, demanding I sign our divorce papers like we were just neighbors with unfinished business.

I consider myself a loner. Honestly, I still have a wife. She had just run away from our wedding ten years before.

Every year, I get the same envelope from her. New law firm name, new initials, glossy folder — just the way she likes it — a true aesthete, even in divorce proceedings.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I open it, read halfway through, sigh, and stash it in the drawer. There’s a whole collection, almost like a calendar, for every year of our “fake marriage.”

That morning, as usual, I was cleaning the barn. The snow had melted, the ground was soft, and the tractor refused to start again. My glove was torn; the dog had buried the other boot somewhere.

All, just as it should be. Quiet. Peaceful. The air smelled of fresh grass and smoke. I love that — it smells like life. Real life.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I reached into the metal mailbox. An envelope. Gold initials. Oh, something new. She switched firms. Progress.

“Well, hello, Mel.”

The dog barked. We understood each other without words those days.

“Would you sign it, Johnny?” I asked my dog, sitting down on the porch with my coffee.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He sneezed. Wise dog. While I was thinking, Billy dropped by. My childhood friend, a farmer who always smells like apples and diesel fuel.

“So, she sent you another ‘love letter’?” he smirked, setting a basket of fresh bread on the step.

“Yep. Volume Ten. Might auction them off someday.”

“Still not gonna sign?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Nope. I’ve got a principle. If you want to end something — come and say it. No need to yell. Just be honest.”

Billy sighed, gave me a look like he wanted to say something — then changed his mind.

“I’ll get going. Looks like rain’s coming, and I didn’t bring a cover.”

“You’re wearing a leather jacket, Billy.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“That’s not a cover — it’s fashion.”

And he left, leaving me with my coffee, my dog, and yet another farewell letter.

I went back inside. Everything is in place. I tossed more logs into the stove. Scratched the dog behind the ear and turned on the radio — the only thing that hasn’t abandoned me over the years.

And then, I heard the sound.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

First — a low engine hum. Then — the familiar squeak of suitcase wheels. Then — high heels crunching on gravel. I stepped onto the porch. And saw her.

Melanie. Her hair was a bit shorter, but her eyes were the same. She had that look — like we saw each other yesterday, even though it’s been ten years.

“Hi, Jake.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I smiled. But something inside me clenched.

“Well. Finally decided to come and ask for an autograph in person?”

***

Melanie stepped across the threshold. Her eyes scanned the wedding photo on the mantel.

“You still keep that?” she nodded toward the frame.

“Yep. Nice photo. And the frame isn’t cheap either.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her gaze drifted past the mantel to the plaid throw blanket on the armchair. It was the same one we used to fight over on rainy nights. Her fingers brushed it gently and then paused.

Melanie turned toward the kitchen shelves, where old jam jars stood in a neat row.

“Is that… blueberry?”

“Yeah. From that summer when the berries went wild behind the barn.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Melanie gave the faintest nod, but her eyes glistened before she looked away. Then she straightened her posture, smoothed her sleeve, and reached for her briefcase.

She sat at the table and pulled out the documents.

“Jake, I’m serious. My wedding’s in two months. I need everything signed.”

I sat down across from her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“The groom wants to make sure you’re officially single?”

“He thinks I’m single. So don’t make this harder than it is.”

“Have you ever been honest with me, Mel?”

“Oh, don’t start.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Fine. Not starting. Just listening.”

She unfolded the papers and laid them out in front of me. I glanced at them.

“Old version. Outdated. Doesn’t even mention the farm.”

“Well, I thought…”

“That nothing had changed? Big surprise, huh?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She flared.

“Jake, I didn’t come here for your passive-aggressive lectures. I came because I’m tired of playing silent. I want to end this like an adult.”

“An adult comes sooner than ten years later. An adult doesn’t run off the night before the honeymoon and hide behind envelopes.”

She stood up. Her hands were trembling.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“If it’s money you want — just say so. How much?”

“Money?” I laughed. “You think I waited ten years for a payout?”

“Then why, Jake?! Why haven’t you signed?”

“Because you still haven’t said why you ran. I have principles.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, Jake, it’s been years. Everything’s changed.”

I stood.

“Yeah, it has. I got my life together. Built something. A business. And by the way, I earned everything I had while we were still married. Officially. Legally. Even the lakeside lot. And those two cow-show trophies? Still during our marriage.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She stared at me silently.

“By law, half of it is yours,” I said. “But I’m not handing it over to someone who only dared to mail things once a year.”

“You… you’re blackmailing me?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“No. I’m giving you a choice. I’ll sign if you formally waive any claim. At a notary. All legal. But we’ll need to update the paperwork. That takes time.”

She sat back down. “Fine. How long?”

“A week. Maybe two. This isn’t New York. Around here, the internet runs through a tree.”

“Then I’m staying. Technically, it’s my house too.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Technically — yes,” I sighed. “But you’re cooking dinner. I’m allergic to your flower petal salads.”

“And I’m allergic to dust and male ego.”

We stared at each other for a few long seconds. Then, I walked off toward the pantry to break eye contact. Melanie climbed upstairs — offended, with her briefcase under her arm like she’d come here to win, not to talk.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I knew she wouldn’t survive that silence.

Truthfully, the papers were just an excuse to keep her here a little longer. So I could finally knock some sense into our marriage.

Because I still loved that infuriating woman. Whoever she had become.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

Days on the farm passed quickly, but our silence moved painfully slowly.

Melanie spent most of her days in town, hunting for a decent Wi-Fi signal. Meanwhile, I cleaned the house and the yard and planted flowers on the porch.

Billy dropped by one afternoon.

“This place hasn’t looked this good since your wedding, pal.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, I just… finally had some time for myself.”

“Careful, someone might fall for you.”

“Cut it out. Not Melanie. That’s long gone.”

Billy tilted his head and looked at me like I’d just said the sky was green.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Jake, don’t be a fool. She’s here. That means something.”

“She’s here because she wants a signature.”

“Then sign it. Or don’t. But for the love of bacon, talk to her. Ask her to dinner. Do something other than fixing fences and mumbling at your dog.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

That evening, I found Melanie in the pantry. She was holding my box of documents.

“What are you doing?” I asked, not even raising my voice.

“Looking for tea. But I stumbled on this.”

“You always break into places where you’re not invited?”

“And you always hide what matters instead of talking about it?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I wasn’t hiding. I was postponing. It wasn’t time yet.”

“Not time?! I’m getting married, Jake! Married! To a real, present, grown man!”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m sure he will be thrilled to hear his bride was digging through her legal husband’s pantry.”

“You just can’t accept that I left! That I changed! You hold on to the past like an old jacket that hasn’t fit in years!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“And you hold on to some fantasy version of yourself until you have to look yourself in the eye. Have you ever actually thought about what you did? I can’t believe the Melanie I loved could sleep at night after running away like that!”

“Oh, I slept just fine! I didn’t have to crawl under three blankets because someone never fixed the windows!”

“You never said anything bothered you! Not once!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, maybe because it was obvious?! You never asked what I wanted! I wanted more! A career! The city lights!”

“You could’ve told me. We could’ve sold this place and moved to New York together.”

“Oh yeah? And what about the money you poured into building this farm the day before the wedding? You think I didn’t see the contract? That was the final straw, Jake! You said nothing.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“And you did? You said nothing, either! About your dreams, about the windows!”

“I’ve had enough! No wonder I ran. I haven’t even been able to answer my fiancé for two days because there’s no signal here!”

“Oh. You probably connected to the broken router. I have two — forgot to mention.”

“You! How dare you!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She slammed the pantry door. The house went black — total darkness.

“What was that?” I frowned.

“I… may have knocked that old switch.”

“That ‘old switch’ was the main breaker. It’s broken now. Congratulations, Mel, we’re in the dark.”

“Wonderful! Magical!” she shouted. “No light, no water, no reason to live!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Let’s not overreact,” I muttered, grabbing a flashlight.

I headed outside and built a fire. Melanie sat on the bench, wrapped in my old flannel shirt. No makeup. Hair hastily tied up. For the first time in days, she looked real.

“You hungry?” I asked, skewering some chicken.

“Starving. But if you offer me canned beans, I’ll run to the nearest motel.”

“Barbecue. Real fire. Your dad’s old recipe, actually.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She gave a slight nod.

“Mel…” I started but didn’t finish.

“Don’t. I don’t even know what to think. But it’s… peaceful here. Cozy, even. You’ve turned this place into something magical. I miss that in New York.”

“It’s not too late to stay. I always knew your soul was too wild and free for a city apartment, even if it’s a big one.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I chuckled. “Yeah… I only realized that after I got everything I ever wanted.”

“Well, there are plenty of forests and fields out here to calm the rebel in you.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I ran because I was scared I’d stay here forever. That my dreams would die under diapers, early mornings, and a farm you decided to build.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I wasn’t going to make you a prisoner. I wanted to make you happy.”

We sat in silence. The fire crackled.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Then, Melanie suddenly laughed.

“Remember when I burned your favorite sweater?”

“It was hideous.”

“But warm!” she giggled. “And it smelled like you.”

“Melanie… All these years, I couldn’t understand… why? We were so in love. I still…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Suddenly, headlights lit up the yard.

“You expecting someone?” I asked.

Melanie’s face went pale.

“No… No, it can’t be…”

Out stepped a tall man in a coat. Phone pressed to his ear. Slicked-back hair, judgmental stare. New York in human form.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Melanie! Finally, I found you!” he shouted. “What are you doing here with this…!”

Melanie opened her mouth to answer, but he cut her off.

“You’ve got meetings this week. My assistant’s been trying to reach you. And my mother’s freaking out about the seating chart.”

“This…?” I raised an eyebrow. “This is her legal husband. For now.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He looked from me to her.

“What is this?! Some kind of joke?!”

“Oh. Sorry,” I said dryly. “Thought you knew.”

“Melanie! Pack your things. We’re leaving. We have a wedding to plan. Did you forget?”

Melanie stood frozen. Speechless.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I calmly took a piece of grilled meat from the skewer, bit into it, and added,

“No rush, Mel. You’re hungry — eat first. And, sir… have a seat. Help yourself. The night’s just getting started.”

***

Packing was fast.

While Melanie was arguing with her fiancé in my yard, I sat quietly in my office, signing the papers. Calmly. Steadily. Only my hand trembled a little. Before she walked out the door, I handed her the documents.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Here. It’s all official now.”

She looked down at them. Then at me. Her eyes dropped.

“I’m sorry… I have to go.”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Her hand was already on the doorknob when I stepped toward her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“But just tell me one thing. One simple thing.”

She froze.

“Is this really what you wanted? Are you truly happy?”

Silence.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“I’m sorry. I have to go.”

And she left. But I already knew the answer.

I sat on the porch with my dog, watching the fire burn down.

Suddenly, I understood… I couldn’t make the same mistake twice. Ten years ago, I let her walk away. This time, I am going to fight. I grabbed my pickup keys and tore off into the night.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I took the shortcut I’d built over the years — a road that led straight to town and the highway. It turns out it wasn’t built in vain.

Thirty minutes later, I burst into the airport like a madman.

The flight to New York… had already taken off. Too late. She’s gone. Again.

“Jake?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I turned around. Melanie stood there. Backpack slung over her shoulder, with tears in her eyes.

“I thought you’d flown…”

“And I thought one time running was enough. Twice would just be stupid.”

“And what stopped you?”

“The dog. I forgot to say goodbye to Johnny,” she said with a tiny grin.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“The dog?” I laughed. “And here I thought it was my world-famous barbecue.”

“I realized halfway through the airport that I’ve never laughed with him. Not really. We make sense on paper. But we don’t… feel.”

We drove home together. On the way, she fell asleep leaning on my shoulder — like she used to back in college. On the porch, she pulled the divorce papers from her bag.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She tore them in half. Then again. And again.

“Divorce officially canceled. But only if you promise never to wear sweaters in that color again. And help me move my stuff.”

“Man’s honor.”

The dog growled softly. And we walked inside. It was warm there. And quiet. And no one was in a rush to leave ever again.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I spent $30,000 trying to become a Mom, only to hear my mother-in-law call my adopted kids “fake” in front of guests. I stayed quiet then. But not for long.

Eu estava olhando para uma foto minha e da minha falecida esposa quando algo caiu do quadro e me fez ficar pálido

No dia em que enterrei Emily, tudo o que me restava eram nossas fotos e memórias. Mas quando algo escorregou de trás da nossa foto de noivado naquela noite, minhas mãos começaram a tremer. O que descobri me fez questionar se eu realmente conhecia minha esposa.

A funerária amarrou uma fita preta na nossa porta da frente. Eu olhei para ela, minha chave suspensa na fechadura, me perguntando quem tinha pensado que isso era necessário.

Uma fita preta presa a uma maçaneta | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma fita preta presa a uma maçaneta | Fonte: Midjourney

Como se os vizinhos já não soubessem que eu estava no cemitério a tarde toda, observando-os baixar minha esposa ao chão enquanto o Rev. Matthews falava sobre anjos e descanso eterno.

Minhas mãos tremiam quando finalmente consegui abrir a porta. A casa tinha um cheiro estranho — como graxa de couro e caçarolas de simpatia.

A irmã de Emily, Jane, tinha “ajudado” limpando enquanto eu estava no hospital durante aqueles últimos dias. Agora tudo brilhava com um brilho artificial que fazia meus dentes doerem.

Um corredor de entrada para casa | Fonte: Pexels

Um corredor de entrada para casa | Fonte: Pexels

“Lar doce lar, certo, Em?” Eu gritei automaticamente, então me contive. O silêncio que respondeu pareceu um golpe físico.

Afrouxei minha gravata, a azul que Emily tinha me dado no último Natal, e chutei meus sapatos sociais. Eles bateram na parede com baques surdos.

Emily teria me repreendido por isso, apertando os lábios daquele jeito, tentando não sorrir enquanto me dava um sermão sobre marcas de arranhões.

Um homem de coração partido olhando para baixo | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem de coração partido olhando para baixo | Fonte: Midjourney

“Desculpe, querida”, murmurei, mas deixei os sapatos onde estavam.

Nosso quarto era pior que o resto da casa. Jane tinha trocado os lençóis — provavelmente tentando ser gentil — mas o cheiro de roupa de cama fresca só enfatizava que o cheiro de Emily tinha sumido.

A cama estava feita com cantos de hospital, cada ruga alisada, apagando a bagunça casual que tinha sido nossa vida juntos.

“Isso não é real”, eu disse para a sala vazia. “Isso não pode ser real.”

Um quarto | Fonte: Pexels

Um quarto | Fonte: Pexels

Mas foi. Os cartões de condolências na cômoda provaram isso, assim como os comprimidos na mesa de cabeceira que não foram suficientes para salvá-la no final.

Tudo aconteceu tão de repente. Em ficou doente no ano passado, mas ela lutou contra isso. A quimioterapia teve um preço imenso para ela, mas eu estava lá para apoiá-la em cada passo do caminho. O câncer eventualmente entrou em remissão.

Achávamos que tínhamos vencido. Então, um check-up mostrou que ele estava de volta, e estava em todo lugar.

Um casal olhando severamente um para o outro | Fonte: Midjourney

Um casal olhando severamente um para o outro | Fonte: Midjourney

Em lutou como um puma até o fim, mas… mas foi uma batalha perdida. Eu podia ver isso agora.

Caí do lado dela na cama, sem me incomodar em trocar de roupa para o funeral. O colchão nem segurava mais o formato dela. Jane o tinha virado? O pensamento me deixou irracionalmente irritado.

“Quinze anos”, sussurrei no travesseiro de Emily. “Quinze anos, e é assim que termina? Uma fita na porta e caçarolas na geladeira?”

Um homem de coração partido | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem de coração partido | Fonte: Midjourney

Meus olhos pousaram na nossa foto de noivado, a moldura prateada captando a luz do fim da tarde. Emily parecia tão viva nela, seu vestido amarelo brilhante contra o céu de verão, sua risada capturada no meio da explosão enquanto eu a girava.

Agarrei-o, precisando estar mais perto daquele momento e da alegria que ambos sentíamos naquele momento.

“Lembra daquele dia, Em? Você disse que a câmera capturaria nossas almas. Disse que era por isso que você odiava ter sua foto tirada, porque—”

Meus dedos prenderam em algo atrás da moldura.

Um homem segurando uma foto | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem segurando uma foto | Fonte: Midjourney

Havia um relevo sob o suporte que não deveria estar ali.

Tracei-o novamente, franzindo a testa. Sem realmente pensar no que estava fazendo, soltei o suporte. Algo escorregou, flutuando para o carpete como uma folha caída.

Meu coração parou.

Era outra fotografia, antiga e ligeiramente curvada, como se tivesse sido manuseada com frequência antes de ser escondida.

Um homem atordoado | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem atordoado | Fonte: Midjourney

Na foto, Emily (Deus, ela parecia tão jovem) estava sentada em uma cama de hospital, embalando um recém-nascido enrolado em um cobertor rosa.

Seu rosto estava diferente de tudo que eu já tinha visto: exausto e assustado, mas com um amor feroz que me tirou o fôlego.

Eu não conseguia entender o que estava olhando. Embora tentássemos, Emily e eu nunca conseguimos ter filhos, então de quem era esse bebê?

Um homem confuso | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem confuso | Fonte: Midjourney

Com dedos trêmulos, virei a foto. A letra de Emily, mas mais trêmula do que eu sabia: “Mamãe sempre amará você.”

Abaixo disso havia um número de telefone.

“O quê?” A palavra saiu como um coaxar. “Emily, o que é isso?”

Só havia uma maneira de descobrir.

Um homem pensativo | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem pensativo | Fonte: Midjourney

O telefone parecia pesado na minha mão enquanto eu discava, sem me importar que fosse quase meia-noite. Cada toque ecoava na minha cabeça como um sino de igreja.

“Alô?” Uma mulher respondeu, com uma voz calorosa, mas cautelosa.

“Desculpe-me por ligar tão tarde.” Minha voz soou estranha aos meus ouvidos. “Meu nome é James. Eu… Acabei de encontrar uma fotografia da minha esposa Emily com um bebê, e este número…”

O silêncio durou tanto que pensei que ela tinha desligado.

Um homem falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

“Oh,” ela finalmente disse, tão suavemente que quase perdi. “Oh, James. Estou esperando por essa ligação há anos. Faz séculos que Emily não entra em contato.”

“Emily morreu.” As palavras tinham gosto de cinzas. “O funeral foi hoje.”

“Sinto muito.” Sua voz falhou com pesar genuíno. “Eu sou Sarah. Eu… eu adotei a filha de Emily, Lily.”

O quarto se inclinou para o lado. Eu agarrei a beirada da cama. “Filha?”

Um homem chocado | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem chocado | Fonte: Midjourney

“Ela tinha dezenove anos”, Sarah explicou gentilmente. “Uma caloura na faculdade. Ela sabia que não poderia dar ao bebê a vida que ela merecia. Foi a decisão mais difícil que ela já tomou.”

“Tentamos ter filhos por anos”, eu disse, a raiva de repente queimando através da minha tristeza. “Anos de tratamentos, especialistas, decepções. Ela nunca disse uma palavra sobre ter um bebê antes de mim. Nunca.”

“Ela estava apavorada”, disse Sarah. “Apavorada que você a julgasse, apavorada que você a deixasse. Ela te amava tanto, James. Às vezes o amor nos faz fazer coisas impossíveis.”

Um homem em uma ligação telefônica | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem em uma ligação telefônica | Fonte: Midjourney

Fechei os olhos, lembrando das lágrimas dela durante os tratamentos de fertilidade e de como ela apertava minha mão com muita força sempre que passávamos pelos parques infantis.

Eu presumi que era porque nós dois estávamos desesperados para ter um filho, mas agora eu me perguntava o quanto disso vinha da saudade da filha que ela abriu mão.

“Fale-me sobre ela”, ouvi-me dizer. “Fale-me sobre Lily.”

Um homem falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

A voz de Sarah se iluminou. “Ela tem vinte e cinco anos agora. Uma professora de jardim de infância, se você pode acreditar. Ela tem a risada de Emily, seu jeito com as pessoas. Ela sempre soube que era adotada, e ela sabe sobre Emily. Você gostaria de conhecê-la?”

“Claro!”, respondi.

Na manhã seguinte, sentei-me em uma mesa de canto em um café, nervoso demais para tocar meu café. O sino acima da porta tocou, e eu olhei para cima.

Foi como levar um soco no peito.

Um homem em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Ela tinha os olhos e o sorriso de Emily. Ela até colocou o cabelo atrás da orelha como Em faria enquanto examinava o ambiente. Quando nossos olhares se encontraram, nós duas sabíamos.

“James?” Sua voz vacilou.

Fiquei de pé, quase derrubando minha cadeira. “Lily.”

Ela correu para frente, envolvendo os braços em volta de mim como se tivesse esperado a vida inteira para fazer isso. Eu a segurei perto, respirando o cheiro do xampu dela — lavanda, assim como o da Emily tinha sido.

Duas pessoas se abraçando | Fonte: Midjourney

Duas pessoas se abraçando | Fonte: Midjourney

“Não acredito que você está aqui”, ela sussurrou contra meu ombro. “Quando mamãe ligou esta manhã… Eu sempre me perguntei sobre você, sobre que tipo de homem minha mãe se casou.”

Passamos horas conversando. Ela me mostrou fotos no celular de sua formatura na faculdade, sua primeira sala de aula e seu gato. Contei a ela histórias sobre Emily, nossa vida juntos e a mulher que sua mãe se tornou.

“Ela costumava enviar cartões de aniversário para minha mãe todo ano”, revelou Lily, enxugando as lágrimas dos olhos.

Uma mulher em um café sorrindo tristemente | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma mulher em um café sorrindo tristemente | Fonte: Midjourney

“Nós nunca conversamos, mas minha mãe me disse que ela costumava ligar de vez em quando para perguntar como eu estava.”

Olhando para esta jovem linda e brilhante, cujos olhos tinham a bondade de Emily brilhando, comecei a entender o segredo de Emily de uma forma diferente.

Não era só vergonha ou medo que a mantinham quieta. Ela estava protegendo Lily ao deixá-la ter uma vida segura e estável com Sarah. Deve ter doído profundamente Em manter esse segredo, mas ela fez isso por amor à filha.

Um homem pensativo | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem pensativo | Fonte: Midjourney

“Gostaria de ter sabido antes”, eu disse, pegando a mão de Lily. “Mas acho que entendo por que ela nunca me contou. Sinto muito que você não possa conhecê-la, mas quero que saiba que sempre estarei aqui por você, ok?”

Lily apertou meus dedos. “Você acha… que poderíamos fazer isso de novo? Nos conhecer melhor?”

“Eu gostaria disso”, eu disse, sentindo algo quente florescer em meu peito pela primeira vez desde a morte de Emily. “Eu gostaria muito disso.”

Um homem sorrindo em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem sorrindo em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Naquela noite, coloquei a foto escondida ao lado da nossa foto de noivado no criado-mudo.

Emily sorriu para mim de ambos os quadros — jovem e velha, antes e depois, sempre com amor nos olhos. Toquei seu rosto através do vidro.

“Você fez bem, Em”, sussurrei. “Você fez muito bem. E eu prometo a você, farei o certo por ela. Por vocês dois.”

Aqui vai outra história: quando um pai orgulhoso tropeça em uma filmagem inesperada da despedida de solteira de sua filha, sua excitação pelo casamento dela se transforma em desgosto. Sentindo que seu vínculo foi quebrado, ele se recusa a levá-la ao altar. Clique aqui para continuar lendo.

Este trabalho é inspirado em eventos e pessoas reais, mas foi ficcionalizado para fins criativos. Nomes, personagens e detalhes foram alterados para proteger a privacidade e melhorar a narrativa. Qualquer semelhança com pessoas reais, vivas ou mortas, ou eventos reais é mera coincidência e não intencional do autor.

O autor e a editora não fazem nenhuma reivindicação quanto à precisão dos eventos ou à representação dos personagens e não são responsáveis ​​por nenhuma interpretação errônea. Esta história é fornecida “como está”, e quaisquer opiniões expressas são as dos personagens e não refletem as opiniões do autor ou da editora.

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