Chapter 5 - THE WORLD HE LOST
The thirtieth day arrived under a clear blue sky.
I woke before sunrise and walked through the garden.
The tomato plants had grown taller, and small basil leaves had begun to open.
Wildflowers appeared along the edge of the field where I had scattered seeds without knowing whether they would survive.
I touched one purple bloom with the tip of my finger.
For twelve years, I had believed strength meant enduring.
Now I understood that sometimes strength meant refusing to endure one more day.
I dressed in a cream-colored suit and drove to the courthouse alone.
Margaret waited outside the private conference room.
She handed me the final settlement.
“Everything is exactly as agreed,” she said.
“Has Ethan signed?”
“Not yet.”
I looked at her.
“Why?”
“He said he would sign after speaking to you.”
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“He already spoke to me.”
“He apparently has more to say.”
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