I reached into my pocket and caressed the divorce papers, then slowly closed my eyes.
‘Thank god,’ I thought, ‘Just nine more days, and I’ll finally be free.’
After that day, I grew colder toward Erving.
Even though we lived under the same roof, I barely acknowledged him anymore, no matter how many times he tried to start a conversation.
Then one morning, he suddenly came to me and said the arrangements for my mother’s funeral were finalized.
The early wind was sharp and cold, pressing the fabric of my plain dress tightly against my legs.
I stared at the black car parked in front of me, my voice came out rough and faint when I asked, “The cemetery and the ceremony… Is everything really settled?”
Erving walked over and adjusted my scarf for me, his tone unnaturally gentle. “Don’t worry. Everything’s set. Today, we’re just meeting a few elders to go over the details and to thank your mother’s old friends. She deserves a dignified farewell.”
I clenched my fists and slid into the car without another word.