Chapter 6
When I got home, I saw my mom coming out of the kitchen, holding a pot of soup, and my dad was showing off his culinary skills, waving a spatula around.
The table was set
as set with
seven or eight dishes, each one something I loved.
“Oh, you’re finally back my mom said, her eyes turning red as soon as she saw me.
My dad, hearing the noise, rushed out of the kitchen, too.
Years ago, I had chosen to marry Lowell and moved to Axelton, which was 600 miles away from my hometown.
12:06 PM c
<
In the past eight years, during holidays and festivals, I mostly visited his family, and I’d seen my parents only a handful of times.
A few months ago, my mom had cried and asked when I would come back to see her,
My dad held my hand and kept repeating, “You’re back, you’re back. We’re not letting anyone make you suffer anymore.”
I felt a lump in my throat, and tears started welling up in my eyes.
After dinner, I checked my phone.
There were dozens of missed calls, all from unfamiliar numbers.
I scrolled through them and found each one from Axelton,
Just then, another unknown number came through.
I sneered and answered the call.
As expected, Lowell’s voice came through, seething with anger.
‘Finally decided to pick up? Where are you now?
“What’s this divorce agreement about? Are you trying to threaten me?
“Do you think you can escape apologizing by running away from home? You should know my patience is limited!
“Il give you three days. If you don’t show up at Kaitlynn’s birthday party and apologize, then you…”
I couldn’t believe he was still talking to me like this, still thinking I’d beg for his forgiveness as I used to.
“Lowell, I want a divorce. Do you even understand what divorce means?
“I don’t want you anymore.
Who un
you buy gifts for or celebrate birthdays with is none of my business. Please don’t contact me again.
“Marrying you was the biggest mistake of my
There was a long silence on the other end.
my life. So, just sign the divorce agreement, and we can go our separate ways. How about that?”
After what felt like an eternity, Lowell finally spoke.
“What do you mean, Bessie? What are you talking about?
“Is it because I hit you yesterday? Are you still mad?”
It looked like Lowell had found a reason, his tone softening a little.
“I admit I was a bit impulsive yesterday. I was wrong, alright? But you
you’re not a three–year–old. You don’t need to get a divorce over this, do you?
“Listen, just come back now. Let’s take a step back. I won’t ask you to apologize at Kaitlynn’s birthday party, okay? Just get along with her. Don’t make me worry so much, okay?”
Hearing this, the little patience I had left finally snapped.
“Lowell, do you seriously not understand me? I sold I want a divorce! Just sign the agreement, and I never want to hear your volce again.”
There was a long silence again, and just when I was about to hang up. Lowell’s hoarse voice finally broke through.
“Where are you right now?”
I froze, my expression dark. “It’s none of your business.”
There was a loud bang, like a fist hitting the table.
<
“Divorce agreement… Lowell sneered, glancing at the paper briefly before ripping it to shreds. “Don’t even think about it”
