Alex,
We both know we can't go on like this.
I found an apartment downtown. James will come by tomorrow to get the rest of my things while you're at work.
I love you.
I wish that was enough.
- Maggie
Alex stares at the stack of papers left underneath the note.
Before Maggie, she never thought she'd get married. And after Maggie flipped her world upside down she never thought she'd get divorced. But if there's one thing Alex has learned in the past seven years it's that life has a way of messing with the promises you make to yourself.
She grabs a pen and signs her name on every line Maggie has circled, not bothering to read through it. She could be left with nothing and it wouldn't make any difference, not when her life lost all of it's meaning twenty-three months ago.
She almost cracks at that thought. Almost lets the dams holding back the pain break. But she doesn't. She swallows it back down by going to the fridge and pulling out a beer. It doesn't taste good, it never does, but it feels nice going down her throat. The cool familiar liquid bringing a small sense of comfort.
She should be calling her wife. She should be fighting for her, for them. Her wife just left her via a note on top of divorce papers. She should feel sad or angry. She should feel something.
Looking at the wedding picture tacked on the refrigerator door Alex realizes she does feel something. Relief. Letting her go means Maggie doesn't have to fight anymore. Maggie doesn't deserve whatever this thing is that Alex has turned into.
No one does.