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

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

He stepped out of the car and bid his lover a tender goodbye before heading home. Upon arrival, he lingered outside the flat for a moment, mentally rehearsing how to break the news to his wife. He climbed the stairs and unlocked the door.

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

“Beatrice,” Edward cleared his throat, “Ive come to tell you we need to separate.”
Beatrice received the news with surprising calm. She had always been hard to rattle, which was why Edward affectionately called her “Frosty Beatrice.”

“Really?” she asked from the kitchen doorway. “Should I not fry the steaks, then?”
“As you like,” said Edward. “If you want to, fry them. If not, dont. Im leavingIm with someone else.”
Most wives would have thrown something at their husband after such a declaration. But Beatrice wasnt like most.

“Well then, you and your whims,” she replied. “Did you fetch my boots from the repair shop?”
“No,” Edward faltered. “If it matters, I can get them now!”
“Oh, Edward,” murmured Beatrice. “Send a fool to fetch boots, and you get the old ones back.”
Edward grew irritated. The announcement of their separation wasnt going as planned. It was all so devoid of emotion! But what else could he expect from a wife nicknamed Frosty Beatrice?

“Beatrice, its like youre not even listening!” he exclaimed. “Im leaving. Im moving in with another woman, and all you care about are boots!”
“Right,” said Beatrice. “Unlike me, you can go wherever you please. Your boots arent at the cobblers. Youve got nothing holding you back.”
They had been married 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 conflict, and how economical she was with words. Not to mention her domestic skills and striking beauty.

Beatrice was steady, loyal, and cold as an anchor. But now Edward loved anothera fiery, forbidden passion! It was time to draw a line and start anew.

“Beatrice, I thank you for everything, but Im leaving because I love someone else, not you.”
“What a surprise!” Beatrice exclaimed. “You dont love mehow original! My mother fancied the neighbour, my father loved dominoes and whisky. Look how I turned out.”
Edward knew arguing with Beatrice was futile. Every word she spoke carried weight. His resolve wavered, and he didnt want a quarrel.

“Youre wonderful, Beatrice,” Edward said, resigned. “But I love anotherburningly, forbiddenly. I mean to go, you understand?”
“Another?” she asked. “Is it Elizabeth Foster?”
Edward recoiled. A year ago, hed had a fling with Elizabeth, but he never thought Beatrice knew!

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

“Perhaps its Sophie Allen? Fancy moving in 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 had she stayed silent? Of courseshe was steel. Nothing could make her react.

“No, not Sophie or Elizabeth. Another woman, the one Ive dreamed of. I cant live without her, and Im resolved to go. Dont try to stop me!”
“Then it must be Sarah,” muttered Beatrice. “Honestly, Edward what a poorly kept secret! Your dream woman is Sarah Henley. Thirty-five, one child, two miscarriages Am I right?”
Edward clutched his head. Shed hit the mark! He was indeed having an affair with Sarah Henley.

“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 steadied himself.

“Suppose youre right! Even if its Sarah, it changes nothing. Im going with her.”
“Youre a fool, Edward,” said Beatrice. “You couldve at least asked me first! Theres nothing special about Sarahjust like the others, and I speak as a doctor. Have you seen your muses medical history?”
“N-no” Edward admitted.
“Well then! Go shower at once. Tomorrow, Ill speak to Dr. Oliver, and hell see you at the clinic without delay,” said Beatrice. “Then well talk. Its not normala doctors husband choosing such an unhealthy fling!”
“What should I do?” Edward asked, defeated.
“Ill fry the steaks,” said Beatrice. “You go shower and do as you please. If you want a flawless muse, talk to me. I can recommend one”

In the end, Edward learned that love isnt just passionits knowing when to listen to the one who truly knows you.