9
Benjamin remained silent for a long time. He lit a cigarette, the smoke creating a hazy barrier between us, as if a wall had risen to separate us. His face, shrouded in the swirling mist, became indistinct.
He didn’t rush to answer my question. When he looked at me, his eyes were full of disappointment and indifference. “Eleanor, you’ve changed.
“You make me very disappointed.
“I’ll find someone to take care of you. I’ll come see you in a few days when we’re both calm.“>
After saying that, Benjamin grabbed his suit jacket and left without a backward glance, almost as if he were fleeing.}
“How could he… just leave you?“}
Young Eleanor appeared.
She seemed unable to believe what had happened. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered, “How could he abandon you… for someone else?”
I stood there for what felt like an eternity, barely able to stand on my feet. My body was numb and cold. I was used to it by now. I forced a smile and comforted Eleanor, “Eleanor, don’t cry.
“You have all the Benjamin’s love from when he was eighteen.
“You should be proud.
“Don’t be sad for someone who is not worth it.”
Yes, Benjamin wasn’t worth it.
For once, I was resolute about the divorce.
My parents also noticed something was wrong and came to persuade me, “Benjamin told me everything. Is it because of that girl?” “Eleanor, you’re carrying a baby now, and you’re not young anymore. I know being pregnant makes you think too much, but Benjamin is innocent. He’s already sent the maid away. Couples shouldn’t hold grudges overnight, right?” my father added.}
“Yes, your father is right. We have all seen how good Benjamin has been to you over the years. You insist that Benjamin has done something to let you down…”
My parents looked at each other, especially my mother, who held my hand and patted it gently. “He’s in a high position now. There will always be other women around, but you’ve been together for so long. He won’t just leave you.
“So… Eleanor, for the sake of the children, you should live a good life with Benjamin. I know you’re hurting… but… it has been so long…. “We’re getting old, Eleanor. We just want to see you have a good life, someone who is willing to take good care of you. When we’re gone, we want to be at peace knowing you’re okay. Please, promise me you’ll try to fix your relationship with Benjamin?“>
They looked at me with such hope in their eyes.}
Under their gaze, I slowly withdrew my hands from their grasp, not saying a word, my silence showing my resistance. Yet, deep inside, I felt a growing sense of helplessness.}
“Eleanor, don’t think too much. Benjamin told us that there was nothing going on between him and that maid.”
My mother wanted to continue persuading, but was stopped by my father.”
“I knew that you’re strong–willed, but things are different now. You’re grown up. You need to learn to take responsibility and face the consequences.
“So, Eleanor, think about it again.”D
That evening, Benjamin came back. My parents left quickly after dinner, not wanting to take up any more of our time.”
I stood by the door and watched their hunched backs as they slowly walked away. A wave of sorrow washed over me.“] They were just so afraid.
They were just so afraid. Afraid that their only daughter would have a hard life.
“Have you come to your senses?” Benjamin, who was standing behind me, asked coldly.
“Are you still set on the divorce?”
His tone was distant, tinged with arrogance and disdain, as if he found my insistence both tiresome and annoying.
I didn’t look back. “Benjamin, do you still love me?“}
