Chapter 8 - The Divorce Hearing
The divorce hearing took place on a gray February morning.
Susan wore a navy suit and carried no anger into the courtroom.
Franklin sat across from her looking older than he had six months earlier.
The judge reviewed the agreement.
Susan kept her independent assets and received her fair share of the marital estate. Franklin retained the house, though he had already put it on the market.
Neither spoke until they stepped into the courthouse hallway.
“I am sorry,” Franklin said.
Susan looked at him.
“I know.”
“I mean it.”
“I think you do.”
His face changed with surprise.
“But being sorry does not mean I should return.”
“I know.”
Susan smiled faintly.
“You are learning that phrase.”
Franklin lowered his eyes.
“I wish I had learned sooner.”
“So do I.”
He looked toward the courthouse doors.
“Do you hate me?”
Susan thought about the question.
She thought about the anniversary dinner.
The rain.
Clare’s pregnant hand.
The divorce papers beneath her palm.
Then she thought about the months afterward, when she stopped waking up afraid of what Franklin would do next.
“No,” she said. “I do not hate you.”
His eyes filled.
“But I do not belong to you anymore.”
Then Susan walked into the cold morning light.
The marriage was over.
May you like
Not because she had failed to forgive.
But because she had finally forgiven herself for staying too long.
