Hasty Goodbye: A Farewell from the Car and the Journey Back Home…

A Hurried Goodbye: A Farewell from the Car and the Return Home

He stepped out of the car and tenderly kissed his mistress goodbye before driving home. When he arrived, he lingered outside the building for a moment, gathering his thoughts on how to break the news to his wife. He climbed the stairs and unlocked the door.

“Hello,” called Edward. “Are you home, Beatrice?”
“I am,” replied his wife, her tone indifferent. “Hello. Should I start frying the steaks?”
Edward had promised himself he would be directconfident and firm, as a man ought to be! It was time to end his double life before his mistresss kisses lost their warmth, before he was swallowed again by the monotony of everyday routine.

“Beatrice,” Edward cleared his throat, “Ive come to say we need to separate.”
Beatrice took the news with surprising calm. She had always been unshakable, which was why Edward affectionately called her “Frosty Beatrice.”

“Really?” she asked from the kitchen doorway. “So you dont want me to fry the steaks, then?”
“Do as you like,” said Edward. “Fry them if you want, or dont. Im leaving. Theres someone else.”
After such a declaration, most wives would throw something at their husbands. But Beatrice wasnt like most.

“Of course, you and your whims,” she replied. “Did you pick up my boots from the repair shop?”
“No,” Edward faltered. “If its important, I can go fetch them right now!”
“Oh, Edward,” Beatrice sighed. “Send a fool to fetch boots, and youll get the old ones back.”
Edward was offended. His big announcement wasnt going as planned. Where was the drama? But what else could he expect from a wife nicknamed Frosty Beatrice?

“Beatrice, are you even listening?” he exclaimed. “Im leaving! Im moving in with another woman, and all you care about are boots!”
“Right,” she said. “Unlike me, you can go wherever you please. Your boots arent at the cobblers. Nothings holding you back.”
They had been together for years, yet Edward still couldnt tell if she was serious or sarcastic. Back then, hed fallen for Beatrice because of her gentle nature, her knack for avoiding arguments, and her quiet efficiency. Her homemaking skills and beauty had clinched it.

Beatrice was solid, loyal, and cold as an anchor. But now, Edward loved another. A forbidden, burning passion! It was time to dot the is and cross the tstime for a new life.

“Beatrice, I want to thank you for everything, but Im leaving because I love another woman, not you.”
“What a shock!” Beatrice exclaimed. “You dont love mewhat a revelation! My mother fancied the neighbour, my father loved dominoes and wine. Look how I turned out.”
Edward knew arguing with Beatrice was futile. Every word she spoke had weight. His earlier resolve melted away, and he had no desire for a row.

“Youre wonderful, Beatrice,” he mumbled. “But I love someone elsewildly, passionately. Im leaving, understand?”
“Someone else?” she asked. “Is it Isabel Fletcher?”
Edward stiffened. A year ago, hed had a fling with Isabel, but he never thought Beatrice knew!

“How did you?” he began, then stopped. “Never mind. Its not her.”
Beatrice yawned.

“Then it must be Sophie Alton. Fancy running off with her?”
A chill ran down Edwards spine. Hed also had an affair with Sophie, but that was in the past. If Beatrice knew, why hadnt she said anything? Of courseshe was ironclad, unbreakable.

“No, not Sophie or Isabel. Its another woman, the love of my life. I cant live without her, and Im going. Dont try to stop me!”
“Then it must be Sonia,” muttered Beatrice. “Honestly, Edward what a poorly kept secret! Your dream woman is Sonia Hendricks. Thirty-five, one child, two miscarriages Am I right?”
Edward clutched his head. Shed nailed it! He was indeed having an affair with Sonia Hendricks.

“But how did you know?” he stammered. “Did someone tell you? Were you following me?”
“Simple, Edward,” said Beatrice. “Im a gynaecologist, and Ive examined nearly every woman in this townwhile youve only managed a few. It didnt take much to catch you out.”
Edward straightened up.

“Suppose youre right! Even if its Sonia, Im still leaving.”
“Youre a fool, Edward,” said Beatrice. “You couldve at least asked me first! Theres nothing special about Soniasame as the others, medically speaking. Have you seen your muses medical records?”
“N-no,” Edward admitted.
“Well then! Go take a shower. Tomorrow, Ill speak to Dr. Oliverhell see you at the clinic with no wait,” said Beatrice. “Then well talk. Honestly, a doctors husband should know better than to pick an unhealthy mistress!”
“What should I do?” Edward asked, deflated.
“Ill fry the steaks,” said Beatrice. “You go shower and do as you like. If you want a flawless muse, come to meI can recommend someone”