She entered the room, joyful and rosy-cheeked, and exclaimed:
— It’s so wonderful outside! Frosty!
— Cold again, huh? — He grimaced, not even attempting to get out of bed, and looked toward the window with longing. — When will this winter ever end?
— Never, — she said. — I want it to always be like this outside — frosty, with the bright February sun shining!
— Well, if it’s just the sun… — He eyed her suspiciously. — Why are you so cheerful this morning?
— It’s not morning, — she objected. — It’s daytime.
— What daytime? Ten in the morning.
— Ten in the daytime.
— Arguing with your husband again, — he said, irritated. — So, why are you so cheerful?
— Because everything worked out for me, — she said in a mysterious tone.
— What worked out? Where were you?
— First, get out of bed, please.
— Why? I’m comfortable like this. I’ll lie here for another hour or so. Then we’ll have breakfast. Is breakfast even ready?
— I know the bed is your favorite place, — she smirked, ignoring his question. — But still, get up. I can’t talk to you while you’re lying down.
— Well, excuse me, — he said with disdain. — What’s this nonsense? Why can’t you talk?
— Because I know my joyful news won’t please you. But if you want to keep lying there, go ahead. — She waved her hand and slowly took a wheeled suitcase out of the closet.
— Whoa… — he said, surprised. — A suitcase? What do we need a suitcase for?
— Not we, just me…
— And why do you need a suitcase?
— I just do.
— Are you going somewhere?
— When you get out of bed, I’ll tell you.
— But why do I have to get up? Just tell me already, don’t make me mad! We’re starting the morning with arguments again. Speak.
— I can’t.
— Why can’t you?!
— Because you don’t hit someone who’s lying down, darling.
— What? — He was stunned.
— There’s a saying: “You don’t hit a man when he’s down.” Forgot it?
— Okay… — Finally, he sat up in bed. — This is getting interesting. So, your news is bad, right? Are you going on a business trip or something? They’ve never sent you anywhere for work before.
— I’m leaving for good, — she said almost melodically. — For good!
— What? — He froze. — For good? Why for good?
— Because. — She smiled joyfully again. — While you were lounging in bed, I went to a certain office and filed for divorce. That’s my joyful news. Joyful for me. Probably for you too, but you haven’t realized it yet. Now you can lie back down; I won’t bother you.
— Have you lost your mind?
He couldn’t believe his ears or his eyes. He wanted to crawl under the blanket, fall asleep, and wake up in a different reality, not this one.
— You’ve lost your mind! — he repeated, now with conviction. — You’re crazy, that’s what you are! I’ve suspected it for a while.
— Absolutely right, — she nodded. — Your suspicions were correct.
She wanted to sing from the happiness that had finally come to her, but she feared her song would sound like mockery to her husband.
— Explain to me, — he almost shouted, — what’s gotten into you!?
— Just an ordinary winter fly that was sleeping, sleeping, and then suddenly woke up. Darling, we’ve been strangers for a long time. Don’t you see that?
— Let’s say that’s true, — he suddenly agreed. — Yes, things have been strained between us lately… We’re constantly yelling at each other… Something’s happened, but it could pass! It happens to lots of couples! Why did you file for divorce today?! We should wait.
— I don’t want it to pass, — she said cheerfully. — What’s been strained between us — as you put it — snapped last night. It snapped in my soul. And I felt light. Light and joyful. So, with a light heart, I ran to file for divorce.
— But why so suddenly?
— Things always break suddenly.
— But it’s upsetting for me, — he whined like a child. — It hurts!
— Rub the sore spot with your hand, and it’ll pass, — she smiled. — Better yet, get out from under the blanket right now, go outside, and smile at the sun. Everything will be different. Everything will be okay.
He made a miserable face and stayed silent, watching as she quickly but carefully packed her things into the suitcase.
— Where are you going to go? — he finally thought to ask.
She only shrugged in response.
— Have you met someone? — he asked again.
She shrugged again.
— Why aren’t you answering me? — he asked sternly.
— Why should I? — She sat on the closed suitcase. — Let’s sit for a moment before I go… And one more thing… I want to say thank you, darling.
— For what? — he asked, surprised.
— For the rare moments of happiness and for your harsh lessons. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be wearing sunglasses. Well, I’m off…
She stood, took the suitcase by the handle, and casually wheeled it into the hallway, as if she were leaving for a short trip. In the hallway, she calmly put on her light fur coat and… gently closed the door behind her.
And he remained sitting in his bed, thinking that everything that had just happened was nothing more than an unpleasant dream…
No comments