The rapid knocking on my front door wakes me out of a dead sleep. What the hell? Who could possibly be here this time of the morning? I ease my way down the stairs. A quick look through the window reveals a car with Newett Energy Company on the side. I silde open the lock and forcefully pull the door open. The man standing there with his arm poised to knock again is caught off guard. I stare at him.

"Hi, I'm John from the legal department at Newett. I work with your husband?"

"Yes, I'm familiar with where my husband works. He's not home right now, what do you want?"

"Okay, well, Shaun asked me to draw up some preliminary paperwork and drop it by for you to look over." He hands me a manila envelope, "It's nothing official. I understand that Shaun flew out to Alaska yesterday and may be unavailable by phone so if you have any questions you can give me a call." He pushes a business card into my hand, "Okay then, have a nice day."

He quickly turns and walks back to the car.

I close the door and drop onto the couch. Taking a deep breath, I open the envelope and start to read the letter on top of the stack of papers.

Dear Vic,

"Son-of-a-bitch." It comes out of my mouth before I can stop it.

You went up to bed about an hour ago and I can't sleep. Seems this may be the best way to communicate with you anyway. We didn't really get anywhere trying to talk. I guess we haven't been listening to each other for a while when I think about it.

This is not just one of my usual work trips. It's a trial run of sorts. The company is wanting to send me to Alaska permanently. They thought I turned down the Australia transfer because it was outside the U.S. and that I might be more inclined to accept this one. Depending on how this week goes and considering the shambles our marriage has become, I think I probably will. Even though this is the company's idea and not mine, I don't expect you to go with me this time. To be honest, I'm not sure I want you to. As much as you've hated Wyoming, you wouldn't make it in Alaska; It's way more isolated with way more snow. I've done enough to make you unhappy. Too much more than I care to admit. I'm ready to stop doing that. We can't keep doing the same things over and over again and expect our relationship to not be affected.

I asked John to draw up divorce papers for us. He's been a good friend and offered to help off the clock. If you're in agreement just let him know and he can file the necessary paperwork at the courthouse. If there is anything you would like changed, we can talk about it when I get back. I'm not going to try to make your life any harder than it already is. I asked him to include a cash settlement so you would be taken care of. I know you are not the kind of woman who wants to get regular monthly support from me so I thought it best to make other arrangements. If you choose to go back east it will help you get settled there and allow you time to find a job without having to worry about how you will pay your bills. I am the one that brought you here, I think it's only fair that I help you to get out if that's what you want. If you choose to stay in Wyoming it will be enough to cover what's owed on the house with some left over. I've made enough decisions for you, you get to make this one yourself. Know that whatever I did for you was born out of love.

Shaun

A letter. Leave it to my husband to ask for a divorce in a letter. At least I was going to have the decency to talk to him in person about it. Of course, his way is less emotional. There doesn't have to be any more yelling or hurt feelings. I read through the rest of the papers. He seems to have thought of everything and is being more than generous. Any second thoughts I might have been having about my meeting with the attorney yesterday are irrelevant at this point. Shaun wants out.