“I was the one who solved every problem and organized our lives while you mistook my calm nature for permission to disrespect me,” I said. His eyes filled with shame but it was far too late for any apology to fix the damage he had done.
I did not cry or yell because I simply did not need to do those things to make my point clear. I told him it was over and expressed my hope that he would learn how to stop using people before he entered another relationship.
He left shortly after that without any drama or excuses and the cake lasted for four more days in my refrigerator. I ate the final slice the following Thursday and realized that being alone was not a tragedy at all.
The real tragedy was having loved someone who had reduced my genuine affection to a mere financial benefit. That same night, I made a reservation for myself at a small restaurant that I had always wanted to visit.
I went there on Friday evening and ate slowly while enjoying my own company and paying my own bill. When the waitress asked if I was expecting anyone else, I told her the truth that I am more than enough on my own.
THE END.
