Chapter 1

"She is going too?" I looked at Jeremy Carter.

"Yeah." He didn't bother to look at me.

"On the fifth day of our pre-divorce separation period, you're bringing her to meet your parents?"

"It's my freedom."

I laughed. "You said we should coolly think over our divorce, but now you're not calm at all."

Jeremy looked up, his eyes full of irritation. "Sarah, stop it."

"Stop it?" My voice was steady. "You suggested a pre-divorce separation period of 30 days, but on the fifth day, you're bringing another woman to meet your parents. Who is causing trouble here?"

Jeremy slammed his phone down on the table and walked into the bedroom.

The door closed softly. It weighed less than our three-year-long marriage ever had.

*****

I stood in the living room, staring at the closed door. My fingers felt numb from the cold.

It was late October in Riverdale, and the nights were already getting chilly.

Jeremy had asked for a divorce five days ago, on Sunday, October 20th, at 8:47 PM.

"We're not right for each other," he said, scrolling through his phone.

I was washing dishes in the kitchen. The water was so loud that I thought I had misheard him.

"What did you say?" I turned off the faucet.

"Let's get a divorce." Jeremy glanced up at me. "I've decided to file with the courthouse for the 25th. It's a weekday."

That was it; no arguments, no tears or drama, and not even a proper explanation. After three years and eight months of marriage, Jeremy ended it in less than a minute.

"Why?" I asked.

"I don't love you anymore," he replied.

"That's it?"

"What else do you want?" Jeremy frowned, clearly impatient. "Sarah, do you have to make such a big deal out of this? Do I need to give a long report to get divorced?"

I dried my hands and walked over to him. "Jeremy, marriage isn't a game."

"I know." He put down his phone. "That's why I suggest a 30-day pre-divorce separation period. We can think it over."

"Have you thought it through?"

"Pretty much."

"What about me?" I looked at him. "Did you care about my views?"

Jeremy was silent for a few seconds. "You surely don't love me anymore either. We're both tired."

I wanted to argue, but I opened my mouth, and nothing came out. I was indeed exhausted.

For three years, I got up at six every morning to make breakfast, but Jeremy never ate it. I gave his parents $1,000 a month for living expenses, but he never thanked me.

When I was sick with a fever of 102.2°F, he worked overtime at the company until midnight.

I felt tired, but I thought that was what marriage was supposed to be.

"The 30-day pre-divorce separation period is good for both of us." Jeremy stood up. "I'm going to stay with my parents for a while."

"Why do you have to go to your parents' place?" I asked.

"This apartment is too small. It's cramped for two people."

Our home was 850 square feet, with two bedrooms and a living room. Jeremy's parents made a $170,000 down payment before we got married, and after the wedding, we paid off another $170,000 together.

"Then I'll stay at a hotel," I said.

"No need. I've made arrangements with my mom." Jeremy grabbed his jacket. "Let's both take this month to think things over."

He walked to the door and glanced back at me. "By the way, it's better if we don't contact each other during the 30-day pre-divorce separation period."

"Why?"

"The whole point of a separation period is to give each other some space."

The door closed. I stood in the living room, staring at the empty room. For a moment, I had the illusion that Jeremy, who had left the place, was the real owner here. And I was only a tenant.

*****

The next day was Monday. I got up at six as usual, went into the kitchen out of habit, and opened the fridge, getting ready to make breakfast.

The ingredients for Jeremy's favorite sandwiches were still sitting in there.

I stood in front of the fridge in a daze for a long time and finally closed the door. It was unnecessary.

*****

At 8 AM, I got to the office.

I worked as a copywriter at an ad agency, making $5,000 a month. It wasn't a lot in Riverdale, but it was enough to get by.

My coworker, Laura Smith, noticed I looked off and handed me a cup of coffee. "What's wrong? You look like you got dumped."

"Getting divorced." I took the coffee.

"What?" Laura was shocked. "I thought Jeremy and you were getting along well."

"He said he doesn't love me anymore."

"What a jerk." Laura was furious. "Want me to hook you up with a lawyer? My cousin is a divorce pro. He'll get you everything you deserve."

"Not right now." I shook my head. "We're still in the pre-divorce separation period."

"Jeremy suggested it?"

"Yeah."

Laura gave me a thoughtful look, like she wanted to say something but held back.

"What's up?"

"It's nothing." Laura shook her head. "Take care of yourself."