“It’s all in the past now. Do you remember what you once told me? You said that even at thirty, one can still have the courage to start over, to live life in a different way. Honestly, it’s pretty good,” Jennifer said.

Gary did say that to her. But back then, Jennifer was just too stubborn. No matter how much he tried to talk sense into her, she just wouldn’t listen.

Jennifer let out a self-mocking laugh. “Now I’ve finally figured it out. Letting go is not that difficult. Clinging to too many obsessions only brings pain. Honestly, I can do just fine on my own.”

Gary let out a sigh and took a sip of his coffee, feeling a wave of emotion wash over him. “You know, you’ve never really learned to love yourself. But it’s not too late. Being happy every day is what matters most. Good luck.”

“Thanks, Sanford,” Jennifer said with tears in her eyes.

Gary’s eyes grew a little moist, too. He had grown from the man he once was, Sanford, into someone better. He believed Jennifer would find her own way to become better as well.

“Let me drive you home,” Gary said. He started the car and gestured for Jennifer to get in. He pulled up at the entrance to her apartment complex and stopped. He didn’t go in with her.

“When’s your flight?” Gary asked.

“Tomorrow,” Jennifer replied.

“The northwest is a pretty nice place. Take care, and all the best out there,” Gary said.

“You too,” Jennifer said.

They said their goodbyes. Gary stood there watching Jennifer go and didn’t turn away until her figure had completely disappeared from view.

Jennifer opened the door and stepped into the entryway, surprised to find Donald at home.

“I’m just here to grab my stuff. I’m leaving tomorrow,” Jennifer explained. Donald, sitting on the couch, didn’t say a word.

Jennifer went to her room and started packing the last of her things. Donald listened to the quiet rustling sounds coming from the room.

Their marriage was like a train, and now it was about to reach its final stop, with Jennifer preparing to leave.

Donald couldn’t hold it in anymore. He stood up and said, “Wait, I need to ask you something.”

“What is it?” Jennifer turned back to face him.

Donald finally asked the question, “You said you ended the pregnancy because you were afraid it would affect your career. Was that really the only reason? Or… did Gary have anything to do with it?”

Jennifer was stunned for a moment. “Why would you say so?”

Donald said. “Sorry, I don’t mean to suspect anything between you and Gary. It’s just that things like this have happened before. I saw him drop you off, and I couldn’t help but wonder what you two were doing.”

Jennifer explained, “We just grabbed a coffee to say goodbye. We were classmates, after all, and he’s helped me out a lot over the years.”

Donald gave a bitter smile. “Yeah, you two go way back. You’ve shared more memories than we ever did. It’s hard for me not to overthink it.”

Jennifer lowered her head and said, “I’m sorry for making you feel that way.”

Donald’s frustration was obvious. “I just want to know whether you have feelings for Gary or not. We’re getting divorced, anyway, so just tell me the truth. Whatever you say now, I won’t be angry.”

Jennifer took a deep breath. “Donald, we’ve loved each other. Why are you still so suspicious of me, even now?”

Donald froze. He tried to explain, “Jennifer, it’s not that I’m suspicious of you, I just…” He suddenly got stuck, not knowing what to say next.

Jennifer gazed at the man she still loved. Then she said seriously, word by word, “If there was ever really something between me and him, I wouldn’t have married you. There’s only room in my heart for one man.

“Believe it or not, that’s my answer. Forget it, it doesn’t matter anymore. Just let me know when the divorce papers are ready. See you then.”