You are free

I saw this girl.

She was a soulful eyed and svelte figured lass with an air of innocence about her.

She was pining after the man at my side and she did not hide it from me or from the man who happens to be my husband.

Yes, my husband.

And he was pining after her as well.

My heart pierced, shattered and broke at the naked adoration I saw in both of their faces.

My husband never looked at me in that way.

I wanted to feel angry and rage against the girl for crushing that one hope in my heart.

I was about to charge up to her and slap her senseless when I realized something that stopped me from doing just that.

 

I can't do it.

I let go of my husband, gave him my wedding ring and kissed him one last time.

I turned away, not wanting to let him see the tears beginning to gather in my eyes.

But he stopped me.

He turned me again and asked me what happened, why I gave my ring to him.

I smiled at him and said, “You are free.”

At first, he didn't understand what I meant but he's a little slow sometimes. It would take a while before it would sink in.

I nudged his hands softly from my arm and turned once again. I was still hoping that he would grab me and stop me from walking away.

When I finally reached the automatic, glass doors, he never did.

I do not want to turn back but I can't help myself.

I did.

And I saw him smiling at me, gratitude flowing out of him in swirling rivulets, making me choke the plea that bubbled at the edge of my larynx.

I kept a firm hold on my voice but my tears flowed freely now with no pretext of hiding it and I smiled back at him though it pained me dearly.

He waved goodbye to me and turned to the girl. He walked towards her and her towards him.

Then they embraced, lost in each other's arms forever as my heart was lost to the chasms of the dark abyss which was full of pain, regret and then, finally, blessed nothingness.