Then came the call I had been dreading.
Richard wanted to see me.
His attorney had contacted Margaret to request a meeting about our separation and the financial accounts.
Margaret advised me not to meet him alone. Any discussion would take place through the lawyers, and I would not be asked to attend a private confrontation.
I agreed.
The following morning, Richard sent me a message.
You have destroyed everything we built.
I read it without responding.
A second message arrived.
I hope you are happy. You have no idea what you have done to this family.
Then a third.
We need to talk. Just you and me. No lawyers.
I forwarded all three to Margaret.
I didn’t answer.
For years, I had believed that if I could just explain my feelings clearly enough, Richard would understand the damage he had caused.
Now I knew that understanding had never been the problem.
