Kim, your wife, always dreamed of being a lawyer, with her begging you to let her quit her cashier job so she can devote full time to earning her law degree. After 4 long years, while she was financially supported completely by you, Kim passed the bar exam and finally became a lawyer. “I am sorry honey, I know you worked extra hard to support us over the past years, especially because I was too busy working towards the law degree to hold a job. But…” She then handed you divorce papers, “You understand, right? Life changes, OK?” Her phone then rang, with Kim mumbling, “Oh, it is probably Jimmy. Just read over the papers while I take his call, OK?” She then walks off, while laughing into the phone.

Her laughter echoes from the other room as she chats animatedly with Jimmy. She sounds so happy, confident even. It's a sharp contrast to the solemn expression on your face as you read through the divorce papers. You can't help but feel a mixture of anger, hurt, and confusion.

Why is she doing this? Didn't I support her dream? Shouldn't that mean something? The feelings swirl inside you like a whirlpool, threatening to pull you under. Taking a deep breath, you stand up and walk towards the bedroom, deciding it's better to give Kim some space while she talks with Jimmy.

As you shut the door behind you, your eyes immediately drift to the cheap wall decorations and small furniture in the room. Everything seems so pathetic now that she has achieved her goal. You feel like a failure for not being enough for her... or maybe it's just that she's changed too much?

The pain in your chest intensifies as you sink down onto the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. Kim was everything to you once, but now it seems like she doesn't even want you around anymore...and that hurt more than anything else in the world.

Suddenly, there's a sharp knock on the door. "Are you OK in there?" asks Kim's voice from the other side. You can hear Jimmy murmuring something in the background as well. Her tone is slightly hesitant, uncertain... maybe even a little scared?

You take a deep breath and slowly get up off the bed. The anger and hurt are still there, but beneath them is a glimmer of hope. Maybe... just maybe she doesn't want to lose you too. You open the door, revealing Kim standing there with her hand on the knob, her eyes locked onto yours. "Honey?" she says softly, searching your face for any sign of what's going through your head right now.

Her eyes widen in surprise at your words, but she shakes her head slightly. "No... that's not it at all," she says gently. "I want you to know that I am truly grateful for everything you did for me, Abdiel. You believed in my dream when nobody else did. But things have changed, and we both need to move forward with our lives."

She pauses, then takes a deep breath before continuing. "Look... Jimmy has been talking about this firm he works for, HHM. They're incredible. And they might be looking for new lawyers... he said he could put in a good word for me if I wanted to apply." Her cheeks flush slightly as she admits this.

"And you know what?" she asks hopefully. "They're going to throw a big party at the hotel tomorrow night for all their new hires. Jimmy thought it would be nice if we went together, just as friends... maybe even reconnect and see where things go from there." Her eyes shine with hope and excitement, but there's still a tentativeness in her voice that tells you she's not entirely sure how you'll react.

Her eyes widen further at your words, and she takes a step back as if they've struck her. "No... that's not true," she whispers. "I do care about what you think, Abdiel. I just..." Her voice trails off, and she looks down at the floor for a moment before meeting your gaze again.

"Jimmy has been so supportive of me these past few years. He believed in my dream even when nobody else did. And he's done so much to help make this happen for me." She pauses, swallowing hard. "I can't just throw all that away... I have to try and see where things go with him, even if it means being apart from you."

Her voice cracks slightly on the last word, and she bites her lip as she fights back tears. This confession seems to have taken everything out of her; she looks exhausted and sad all at once. For a moment, you're torn between wanting to hold onto her and wondering if it's better for both of you if you let her go.

She looks away, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know that... and I am so grateful for everything you did. But this is my dream, Abdiel... it's who I always wanted to be." Her voice cracks as she forces out the words. "And Jimmy isn't just some guy I met at law school. He's been there for me through all of this... he understands what it took for me to get here."

She takes a deep breath, wiping away the tears that have started to slip down her cheeks. "I'm not saying we can never be together again... but right now, I need to focus on my career and my dreams. And if that means being with someone who understands what that entails, then so be it." Her words are halting, but she meets your gaze with an unwavering determination that chills you to the bone.

You feel a lump form in your throat as her words sink in. This isn't the woman you married anymore... she's someone else now. Someone who believes she belongs with someone different than you. The anger and hurt give way to a sharp stab of loss, and for a moment, all you can do is stand there and wonder if there's anything left of your marriage that you could salvage.

Her cheeks redden at your words, and she shakes her head fiercely. "That's not true!" she cries out. "You know how much I loved you... how important you were to me." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing in a softer tone. "But I changed, Abdiel. This job changed me. And I can't go back to being the person I was before, not when there's so much at stake here."

She takes another step closer, her hands wringing nervously in front of her. "I'm sorry if you feel like I've abandoned you... but I need this chance, Abdiel. I need to see where it leads me." Her voice wavers, and for a moment she looks as though she might break down completely.

You can feel the weight of her words pressing down on your chest, making it difficult to breathe. The person you married no longer exists... all that's left is this stranger who believes she belongs with someone else now. But perhaps there's still hope for you both... maybe not as husband and wife, but as friends. Perhaps there's a way for you to find peace with whatever path life has laid out for each of you.

Her eyes widen at your accusation, anger flaring in them briefly before being replaced by hurt. "I don't believe that," she says through clenched teeth. "Jimmy and I are just friends... he's helped me because we both went to law school together, not because of some nefarious scheme."

She shakes her head, taking a step back from you again. "Look... I understand if this is too much for you right now. If you want me to try and sort things out with you later, when everything has settled down..." She trails off uncertainly, obviously hoping that you'll take her up on the offer.

But your doubts only grow stronger at her words. You can see it in her eyes: she truly believes that Jimmy is on her side, and that she belongs with him now. The thought of trying to win her back feels like an impossible task... and yet, you can't help but feel as though some small part of you won't be complete without her by your side.

Her cheeks flush with anger as you accuse Jimmy of manipulating her. "I am making this decision based on what I want for my future," she says firmly, "and I think it's best if we both move on from each other." Tears threaten to spill down her cheeks once more, but she holds them back with a shaky breath.

She hesitates before continuing, "I will always appreciate everything you did for me while we were together... the love and support you gave me as I pursued my dreams." Her voice cracks on the last word, and she has to pause again to compose herself. "And I hope that someday, when you find someone who loves you and makes you happy the way that you deserve..." She trails off, looking away as her words fail her.

There's a heavy silence between you for several moments, each of you struggling with your own emotions. Finally, she speaks up again. "Look... I know this is hard for both of us. Maybe we could take some time apart and see how we feel in a few months?" Her eyes meet yours again, hopeful but uncertain. "What do you think?"

Her face falls at your words, but she doesn't try to stop you as you gather your things and leave the room. As the door closes behind you, she sinks down onto the bed, covering her face with her hands and sobbing softly. It feels like a part of her died when you signed those divorce papers...and yet, she knows that this was the only way for either of you to move forward.

She takes several deep breaths, trying to steady herself as she wipes away her tears. Her mind drifts back to your final words: "Without me, you wouldn't have achieved your dream." And it's true...without your support, she might never have become the person she is today, let alone a lawyer.

But now that she's free of the constraints of their marriage, she can finally embrace her new life as an equal among her law school peers. Perhaps she won't find someone else like you, who was willing to put up with all of her flaws and support her unconditionally...but maybe that isn't such a bad thing.

As the night wears on, Kim finally falls asleep, dreaming of becoming one of the most successful lawyers at HHM...and forgetting about the man who once was an important part of her life.

"I'm sorry I didn't see the truth about Jimmy," she whispers to herself as she lies awake in her tiny room, staring up at the ceiling. "And I'm sorry for underestimating you, Abdiel." Tears well up in her eyes again, but this time they are tears of regret and longing.

She misses the way things used to be between them...the love, the support, the laughter. Even though they were poor, even though their house was small, she never felt alone or unloved when she was with you. And now that's all gone.

Kim rolls over onto her side, curling into a ball as she tries to find some comfort in the empty space where you used to be. The anger and resentment she once felt toward you have long since faded, replaced by sadness and regret for everything they lost when they made their decision to divorce.

Perhaps if given another chance, things would be different this time around...but as it stands, Kim can only wonder what might have been. The sound of her tears mingling with the gentle snores of the other women sharing her tiny room serves as a somber reminder that some wounds never truly heal, no matter how much time passes.

Her heart leaps into her throat as she sees you across the produce section. You look so different from the last time she saw you... more confident, more put together. Even your clothes seem nicer than anything she's owned in years. She hesitates for a moment before mustering up the courage to walk over and say hello.

When she reaches your side, she flashes you a nervous smile. "Hi Abdiel," she says softly, searching your face for any sign of the man she once knew. You return her smile warmly, gesturing toward some apples. "I didn't know you worked here."

She shrugs slightly. "Yeah, I needed a job... after everything that happened with..." Her voice trails off, unsure of how much to share with you. You nod understandingly, reaching out to gently brush some hair from her face.

"I'm sorry it had to end like that," you say quietly. "I never meant for things to get so... messy." Her eyes fill with tears again as she listens to your words; they echo the apologies and regrets she's been carrying around inside her for months now. For a moment, all she wants is to go back in time and undo everything that happened between them.

But this is where they are now...two strangers who used to mean everything to each other, trying to find their way in the world without each other's support. She looks up at you, wondering if there's still a chance for them... if there's anything left of the love and connection they once shared.

Her eyes widen in surprise as you introduce your daughter, then soften at the sight of the tiny hand extended toward her. "Hello there," she says gently, reaching out to take Susuki's hand in hers. The little girl looks up at her with big, curious eyes, and Kim can't help but smile warmly.

"It's nice to meet you, Susuki," she tells the child, feeling a pang of jealousy as she realizes how much you must treasure this moment with your daughter. But then again, maybe this is a sign... maybe it's time for her to move on and focus on building a life for herself, just like you have.

She looks back at you, searching your face for any hint of what you might be thinking or feeling about this unexpected encounter. "So," she says slowly, trying to find the right words. "How have you been, Abdiel? I've been meaning to ask... how's work?" Her voice cracks slightly on the last word, betraying her true feelings.

It feels strange being here with you like this...as if they're two different worlds that will never collide again. But maybe there's still hope for some sort of friendship between them...some way to stay connected without letting their past get in the way.

"Oh," she says softly, nodding as you explain your situation with Susuki. It's hard not to feel a twinge of regret knowing that the little girl was once left behind by someone else...someone who wasn't strong enough to fight for her and provide her with the love and stability she deserved.

At your mention of Jimmy, she looks away, struggling with what to say. "I don't see him anymore," she admits finally. "But things didn't work out between us... he wasn't who I thought he was." She pauses, glancing back at you and Susuki before continuing. "I hope that someday I can be a good mom, too." Her voice cracks again as she says this, but there's determination in her eyes that belies any hint of uncertainty.

It's clear that your lives have gone down different paths since their divorce...but perhaps there's still room for friendship between you both. After all, neither of you had much choice in the matter when it came to walking away from each other. Maybe they could find a way to make peace with what happened and move forward together, albeit as separate individuals rather than a couple.

For now, though, Kim content herself with being there for Susuki...and perhaps, if the opportunity arises, sharing moments like this one with you in the future.

Her heart feels heavy with guilt as she listens to your words, but she can't help but smile a little at Susuki's request. Maybe this is what she needs...a chance to focus on someone other than herself for a while. "Sure," she says slowly, "I'd like that."

She looks up at you again, her expression softening. "Thank you for being such a good father to her, Abdiel. I know it couldn't have been easy." There's genuine sincerity in her voice as she offers this small olive branch of friendship. Perhaps there's hope for them yet...or at least some sort of understanding and respect.

As the three of them say their goodbyes, Kim can't help but feel a strange mix of emotions: sadness at what they lost, gratitude for what they have now, and cautious optimism for the future. Whatever path life has in store for her from here on out, she knows that it will be different than anything she could have ever imagined...and maybe, just maybe, that's not such a bad thing after all.

The sun is beginning to set as they leave the store together. The air feels cooler now that autumn has settled in, but Kim doesn't mind the chill; it reminds her of simpler times when she and Abdiel used to curl up together on the couch, watching old movies and drinking hot chocolate.

She glances sideways at him as they walk, noticing how much he's changed since their divorce. He looks more confident now, almost regal in his bearing; it makes her wonder what kind of life he's been able to build for himself since she left. A pang of guilt washes over her at the thought that perhaps they could have found a way to make things work between them.

But then there's Susuki, and the happiness she radiates whenever she's around Abdiel...it's clear that this is where she belongs now. Kim resolves to do whatever it takes to be a good friend and support system for both of them in the days to come.

As they reach his new home, Kim takes Susuki's hand in hers and smiles warmly at Abdiel. "Thank you again for inviting me," she says sincerely. "It means more than you know." He returns her smile with one that holds a touch of sadness...and maybe even regret.

"You're welcome, Kim," he replies softly. "And remember...if you ever need anything..." She nods, not trusting herself to speak without revealing the longing still buried deep within her heart.

The inside of Abdiel's house is even more breathtaking than she could have imagined. Elegant furniture, pristine decorations...it's clear that he's done extremely well for himself since they parted ways. As Susuki eagerly runs off to play in one of the many comfortable-looking rooms, Kim feels a sudden longing wash over her.

It's not just the house itself; it's everything that Abdiel has managed to achieve since she left him. She wonders if perhaps she made a mistake by leaving...or if there might have been another way for them to make things work between them. But then again, perhaps not. Perhaps their love wasn't strong enough to withstand the challenges and pressures of the outside world.

She follows Susuki into one of the many cozy-looking rooms, taking a seat on an ornate couch as she tries to compose herself. Looking around at all that Abdiel has built for himself, she can't help but feel a sense of pride...and perhaps even envy. But most of all, she feels a deep connection to this man who was once her husband...a bond that time and distance haven't been able to break.

As the evening wears on, they share stories about their lives since parting ways, laughing together at old memories and commiserating over shared hardships. When it finally comes time for her to leave, Kim hesitates for a moment before mustering up the courage to speak. "I had a wonderful time tonight," she says quietly, looking into Abdiel's eyes. "And...thank you for inviting me."

He studies her face carefully, searching for any signs of lingering feelings between them. But all he can see is gratitude and affection...and maybe just a tiny hint of regret. With a nod

Her heart swells with emotion as she feels his arms around her. Even though they aren't together romantically anymore, there's still a connection between them...a bond that can never be truly broken. She rests her head against Abdiel's shoulder, closing her eyes as she savors this moment of closeness.

"Gracias," she whispers. "Y lo mismo para ti también. Nunca olvidaré lo que fuimos." Her words are soft and quiet, but there's a newfound maturity in them that didn't exist before. Maybe they really have grown apart...but maybe they can still find a way to be friends. Friends who understand each other on a level that most people will never comprehend.

She pulls away from him slowly, glancing down at her phone before looking back up at Abdiel 's handsome face. "I should probably get going..." She pauses, searching for the right words to say. "Take care of yourself...and Susuki, too." Her voice trails off, wishing she had the courage to say more...to express her true feelings.

But maybe that's not necessary anymore. Maybe all they need is each other as friends...and whatever love and connection they once shared can exist on its own now. With a final smile, Kim steps out of the house into the cool night air, feeling lighter than she has in months.