Mary was forty-five.
Some of her friends looked years younger. They took care of themselves, frequenting spas, swimming pools, and fitness clubs while maintaining strict diets. For them, appearances were a top priority.
The same could not be said for Mary. At eighteen, she had married Mark. She hadn't felt any grand, sweeping passion for him, but when he proposed six months into their courtship, she said yes. At first, she didn’t realize how different they truly were. Mark preferred to spend his free time partying with friends, gatherings that never went without plenty of alcohol; he found being at home boring. Mary, on the other hand, was well-educated and refined; she never went to sleep without a book. After graduating with a degree in Library Science, she took a job at a local library, though the salary was meager. Mark worked at a manufacturing plant, but when the facility hit a slump and orders dried up, the management began sending workers on unpaid leave.
Life became difficult for the young family, especially with a daughter to raise. Mark spent more and more time in the garage. Soon, Mary noticed money disappearing from her purse. She tried to talk to him about finding a side hustle.
"Mark, look, while the plant is quiet, why don't you try driving for a ride-share service?"
"Not a chance. I’m not doing that," he snapped.
Mary cried bitter tears as the financial situation turned catastrophic. Their daughter, Linda, was frequently sick, requiring expensive medications. Mary’s meager salary wasn’t enough to support three people, so a friend eventually helped her find a second job cleaning a grocery store at night.
As the years passed, things only got worse. Mark left the plant and started doing odd jobs in construction. The crew didn't work regularly, and consequently, his contribution to the family budget was just as inconsistent.
Mary never even let the thought of divorce cross her mind. She was terrified of what people would say. She simply endured it, weeping into her pillow at night.
"Mark, are you ever going to look for a real job? I’m working three jobs now. Don't you feel any shame?"
"Nobody’s forcing you to work that much," he’d retort. "Stop it. I don’t want to hear another word about this."
Mary realized then that she would never be able to change him.
***
When Mary turned forty, Linda got married. Mary had to borrow money from every friend she knew just to afford the wedding.
It wasn't long before she realized with a heavy heart that Linda was repeating her mother’s fate. Her new husband, Eric, started drinking and grew rude toward his young wife. Life became even harder for Mary; her son-in-law was unemployed, yet the young couple had taken out a mortgage on a small apartment. Linda was still in college, and her tuition was expensive. The poor woman had no time to think about herself. Her mind was a constant loop of one single thought: Where else can I find work?
Mary was forty-five when her life took a sharp turn. One evening, she stopped at the supermarket to pick up groceries. After filling her basket according to her strict list, she stood in line. Suddenly, two girls around sixteen tried to cut ahead of her. Mary, who had already been standing there for thirty minutes, spoke up.
"Girls, have you no shame? Look at everyone else waiting. Do you think you're more important than the rest of us?"
One of the girls turned around, sneering.
"Lady, why don't you just pipe down? You're a retiree; you can stand in line all day if you want. It’s not like you have anything better to do with your time, but we’re busy."
The words stung Mary like a physical blow.
When she got home, she went to the mirror and began to examine herself with a critical, unforgiving eye. When was the last time she had actually taken care of herself? She couldn't remember the last time she’d used moisturizer on her face or hands—she only did it sporadically when she remembered. She didn't dye her hair, and grey strands were beginning to dominate the dull, mousy tresses. The wrinkles on her face seemed to add decades to her age. Her makeup was cheap, and most days she didn't bother with it at all, seeing no point in "painting" a face like hers.
She worked from dawn until dusk like a hamster on a wheel. She wore greys, browns, and blacks so that the dirt and stains wouldn't show as easily. There wasn't a single beautiful dress in her wardrobe. Even her shoes were strictly functional; she mostly bought cheap flats. Her entire wardrobe came from thrift stores and second-hand shops.
She realized she was living exactly like a character in a tragedy—carrying a retired mother, a grown, selfish daughter, and a lazy ex-husband all on her own back.
Mary tried to push the dark thoughts away to keep from spiraling into depression. She usually came home so exhausted that she barely had the energy to cook and shower. Sometimes, she fell asleep right at the kitchen table.
She looked down at her hands. From carrying heavy bags and doing laundry by hand—she’d never been able to afford a washing machine—the veins were prominent and swollen. There was no manicure, and her nails were broken.
"Are those girls right?" she whispered. "Could I really be mistaken for a senior citizen? How did this happen? I used to be the prettiest girl in my class. Boys used to fight over who got to carry my books. What happened to me? How did I let myself go? I had golden hair, blue eyes, and glowing skin... What happened?"
Mary began to sob.
Suddenly, a wave of resolve washed over her. She decided she wasn't going to let herself be stepped on anymore. She was done being the "man" of the house, working for three people, and dragging two families along without a moment’s rest. By forty-five, she had developed a host of health issues. She was sleeping only four hours a night. The dark circles under her eyes and her sallow complexion were proof of it. No man would ever look at a woman like this. Not a trace of her former beauty remained.
A plan began to form in her mind.
"I need to change my life. Now. I deserve better!"
She looked in her wallet. There was a significant sum of money there intended for home repairs. She began to reason with herself.
"I am not buying wallpaper. I’m done!"
***
The next morning, Mary woke up feeling light, as if she had wings. She was determined to live for herself. She called her daughter.
"Linda, listen to me. I know your marriage is struggling. I know you need money for school and the apartment. Но I can’t keep working like a plow horse. You need to get a job, just like I did. You can finish your degree part-time. And if your husband isn't treating you right, leave him. Don't follow my example. Don't throw your life away for someone who doesn't deserve it. Just... think about it."
Mary walked toward a high-end beauty salon. She hesitated at the threshold, a sudden urge to flee washing over her.
What am I doing? Maybe I shouldn't...
Just then, several beautiful women walked out, looking radiant and thrilled with their transformations. The receptionist saw Mary looking uneasy and stepped forward to help.
"Good afternoon! Come on in, don't be shy. Would you like some tea or coffee?"
"No, thank you," Mary said. "It’s my first time here. I don’t even know where to start."
The receptionist invited Mary to sit and disappeared for a moment. She returned with a stylish young woman.
"Hello. I'm Sarah, the lead stylist. How can I help you today?"
"I’d like to color my hair. And a haircut... a real one."
"Wonderful," Sarah said, her hands already moving to assess Mary’s hair. "What color were you thinking?"
"Let’s go with a warm, vibrant auburn. Something bright, like the sun."
"That’s a bold choice! Let's do it."
In Sarah’s expert hands, Mary began to transform. She hardly recognized the woman in the mirror. A sophisticated brunette was looking back at her, though her face still looked weary.
Sarah said, "Now, I’m going to hand you over to our esthetician, if that’s alright?"
"Of course," Mary replied. "Today, I’m making up for twenty years in one afternoon."
Sarah laughed. "It’s been a while since you’ve been to a salon?"
"Honey, you wouldn't believe it. I’ve never been to one."
"Well, don't look back. You’re doing the right thing by being here now."
The esthetician, Chloe, gave Mary a consultation on skincare and performed several treatments. Next came Jennifer, who gave her a professional manicure and pedicure. Finally, a makeup artist named Natalie applied a natural, flattering daytime look.
When they were finished, the staff gathered to show Mary her "before and after" photos. Mary was in shock.
She walked out of the salon a beautiful woman. Men actually turned their heads as she passed, and a smile involuntarily lit up her face.
"I really can be happy!" she thought. "Now, next on the list: shopping!"
She found a boutique nearby. Checking her purse, she felt a sense of calm. She was prepared to spend a significant amount. She felt confident now. She bought beautiful lingerie, silk stockings, two pairs of designer heels, and three stunning dresses. She took the drab clothes she had worn into the store and threw them in the trash.
"That's it. A new life is waiting for me, and there's no room in it for tears or back-breaking labor."
***
When Mary returned home, her husband didn't even recognize her at first. He was sitting in front of the TV with a beer and some snacks.
"Why did you dye your hair? And where did that dress come from? How much did all this cost?"
"Don't you like it?" Mary asked coolly.
"I don't get the point of all this dress-up. The main thing is... why did you waste the money?"
The doorbell rang. It was Linda. She hadn't understood what her mother was trying to say on the phone earlier. When Linda stepped inside, she gasped.
"Mom! I don't believe it! You look incredible! You look years younger! How much did you spend on all this?"
"Let's go to the kitchen, honey."
"Mom... is there a new man? You’re practically glowing."
"No, Linda. I just suddenly realized that I’m a woman. I never pampered myself; I never bought anything for myself. You go to the hairdresser and get your nails done every month, but today was the first time in my life I stepped foot in a salon. I’ve never felt so happy. Except maybe the day you were born... I remember that day like it was yesterday. I became a mother. But I’ll remember today forever too. Not just because of the hair or the clothes, but because from this day on, I’m going to live the way I want. I’m signing up for a gym membership and the pool. As for you, you need to take charge of your own life. I’ll help with the grandkids when you have them, but you need to have a serious talk with your husband. Now, excuse me, I have something to say to your father, and then I have to head to an interview. I'm applying for an administrative position at a major firm. I'm done cleaning floors and selling newspapers."
Mary saw her daughter out and walked over to her husband.
"Turn off the TV, please. We need to talk. I’m filing for divorce. You have no intention of working, and I have no intention of supporting you anymore. I’m going to live for myself for once. I waited twenty years for you to get your act together, and I’m done. I’m leaving now to secure my new job, and I suggest you start looking for one too."
Mark sat in stunned silence. Suddenly, it dawned on him that the woman who had provided for him, created his comfort, and carried everything on her shoulders was leaving. How would he survive without her?
While her husband sat in a daze, Mary walked down the street with a confident stride. She had no doubt that the dark chapter of her life was behind her. Ahead lay a career, financial independence, and perhaps even a new love. The thought made her heart beat with joy and her eyes shine with genuine happiness.
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