As I stayed silent, she sighed heavily, as though it was me who was being difficult. “Why don’t you understand? This is about life and death, Eli. Ben’s last wish is to have a child. This baby is his reason for fighting, for even trying at this point. But instead, you’re over there pouting about pride or whatever this is. Can’t you see the bigger picture?”
I laughed under my breath, empty and hollow, and the irony struck deep. This was who I’d sacrificed for, this woman who looked at me with pity, maybe even contempt.
Unable to even argue anymore, I sent a simple message, “I’ll prepare the divorce papers. We’ll sign tomorrow.”
Naomi was quiet for a beat on the other end, then she scoffed, muttering, “Fine. Bring them. But don’t go crawling back when you change your mind, Eli. You always do. You’ll see sense soon enough.”
After hanging up, I just sat there, staring at the phone, at the silence around me. The room felt hollow, emptied of the last shred of warmth I thought we had. Everything that made me stay with Naomi felt like dust slipping through my fingers.
Another message pinged. It was from my mom again, a small, hesitant question.