Turning back to the room, I stood outside and looked at Wanda. She felt familiar, yet at the same time, like a stranger. I said softly, "It's cold outside. Take the down jacket I gave you last year and don’t forget the thermal underwear."
She shook her head. " No, Luigi called earlier. He’s already bought everything I’ll need."
"Now that we’re divorced, you should let go of everything."
"I won’t wear the clothes you gave me to see Luigi."
"It wouldn’t be respectful to him."
A bitter laugh escaped my lips.
This was supposed to be about divorce, but it was as though I was sending her off on a trip.
From now on, someone else would love and care for her. So, why would she need an outsider to worry about her?
Before long, her packing was done.
The large suitcase was filled to the brim, most of it gifts she had carefully chosen for Luigi.
After she finished, she opened her jewelry box and pulled out a string of yellowed pearl necklaces from the bottom.
She put it on and it was as though her entire being lit up.
I realized then that I had never seen her wear that necklace in all the years of our marriage.
There was no need to guess who had given it to her.