No More Playing The Good Wife

Synopsis

In my previous life, I was married to Michael Goodwin for twenty-two years. He claimed that helping students in need was a noble thing to do, and I bought into it. My heart softened, so I invited his student, Susan Neal, to join us for dinner. Later, she moved in with us, saying her dorm was too far from school, making it more convenient for her to attend classes. I did her laundry, cooked for her, and even assisted her with her theses. She spoke to me respectfully, with an innocent smile and bright, sincere eyes. Then, the day I was hospitalized, Michael slipped a divorce agreement into my medical chart, leaving me with nothing. He said, "I supported her through her PhD, and she's willing to marry me. I can't let her down. "You never got much education, so you don't fit into my life anymore." After that, I ended up in a 215-square-foot rental unit, barely getting by on my meager pension. During the holidays, my children chose to gather with him, and no one thought about visiting me. I passed away alone in that small apartment, unnoticed until the rent was overdue, and the landlord opened the door to find my body. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on the afternoon Susan first stepped into my home. She was wearing the coat I had bought for her and gave me a sweet smile. "Grace, I'm here." I smiled back at her and then closed the door.