When a woman over forty suddenly leaves for a much younger man, it first seems like an absurd mistake. The mind simply refuses to accept what is happening. Then comes the idea that it is only a passing madness and that everything will soon end. But a few days pass and it becomes clear that this is neither a mistake nor a temporary error. This is a new reality.
I was forty-nine when Olga calmly announced that she was leaving. We had lived together for over twenty years. We had built a house, raised a girl and went through many difficult times like beautiful moments. I had always believed that our marriage was solid, even if it lacked romanticism.
That night, she said it so calmly that it looked like she was talking about buying new curtains.
“I have to leave. I don’t want to live like this anymore.
At first, I thought it was a fight or fatigue. But she continued.
