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“What do you want to eat?”
Kevin asks gently as he drives.
But he doesn’t wait for my answer before continuing.
“I remember you and Tommy were craving hotpot. I was busy then, let’s make up for it now.”
That was months ago.
On Mother’s Day, Tommy had come home early from school for the holiday.
We’d agreed Kevin would drive us to try the new hotpot restaurant that opened near our home.
I reminded him not to forget as he left for work that morning.
From the time Tommy got out of school that evening, I sat in front of the mirror carefully doing my makeup.
I imagined our family of three having a nice meal together.
I waited from daytime until late at night.
Kevin never came to pick us up, nor did he call with an explanation.
I took Tommy myself. When we got back, I saw Kevin kissing that girl in his car downstairs.
I covered Tommy’s eyes and told him to go upstairs first.
Then I ran to angrily knock on the car window.
That was the last time I lost control.
The cold war began.
“Kevin, you don’t have to do this. I’m not a young girl anymore. I didn’t mention divorce to get your attention. This is the result of careful consideration.”
From the moment I saw him with that girl, I started thinking about it.
“I read the agreement. You only want half our savings. Nothing else. Haley, you’re being ridiculous.”
“Tommy needs to eat too. Our divorce isn’t just about you and me. Don’t act like a child.”
“Haley, no one will indulge you once you leave home.”
Kevin is unusually talkative today. He’s convinced I’m using this tactic to break the ice.
He gives Tommy a look. Tommy comes over, his big eyes looking up at me.
His voice is small and childish.
“Mom, I want hotpot too.”
My body stiffens. “Mom disappear” appears in my mind like a curse whenever I look at Tommy.
“Do whatever you want. I just want to get this over with.”
Kevin’s lips curl into a smile.
Tommy cheers excitedly. “Yay!”
Their joy has nothing to do with me.
