I knew what was inside.
Our wedding rings from the ceremony had been placed there after we began wearing newer rings years later.
He opened the box, stared at it, and closed it again.
“Robert,” I said.
He turned.
“Are you planning to divorce me?”
He looked exhausted.
“I don’t know.”
“You’ve moved out to live with another woman. What exactly are you uncertain about?”
“I need time.”
I shook my head.
“You’ve had eight months to think about what you wanted. I have been given three days to understand what you’ve done.”
He looked away.
Then he said something I will never forget.
“Susan makes me feel young again.”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak.
Then I smiled sadly.
“Robert, I loved you when your hair was dark and your knees didn’t hurt. I loved you when you lost your job and thought your life was over. I loved you when you were frightened about growing old. I loved you when you were no longer the young man who stood beside me at the altar.”
