I was no longer the center of his world and it hurt more than I wanted to admit. The day I realized I was becoming obsolete, I took a sick day from work, hoping rest would ease my persistent cough. I spent the day lying in bed, struggling with the constant discomfort and dread of what was to come. My mind replayed Jeremiah’s increasingly frequent absences, each one a silent reminder of how I was being pushed to the periphery.
The next day, I reluctantly went to the hospital for a prescription of strong cough medicine. I had been coughing persistently at night, which was affecting my sleep. The hospital visit felt like a mundane routine in the midst of my chaotic life. When I left the hospital, it was already dark. Just as I was about to take a taxi home, my phone buzzed. It was Jeremiah.
After hesitating, I answered. His voice on the other end was odd. “Joanna, what are you trying to do? You’re avoiding me over something minor and secretly sleeping with another man!” The accusation hit me like a thunderclap.
I was shocked. “What are you talking about? What do you mean, sleeping with another man?”
The accusations were absurd. “Jeremiah, are you serious? You’re accusing me of cheating when you’ve been spending all your time with Monica? I’m not seeing anyone else. I’ve been sick and all I’ve done is try to keep myself together.”
"Oh, stop pretending. I’m at your office right now and someone sent a huge bouquet of roses to your desk. The card says, ‘My queen, you are the most beautiful rose in my heart,’ signed, ‘Jackie, the boss.’ You act so serious every day, but you’re secretly seeing another man behind my back!” he shot back.
I quickly realized what was happening. 'Jackie' was Jacqueline’s online name and she probably sent the flowers to cheer me up after hearing about my problems with Jeremiah. It wasn’t unusual for best friends to send flowers to support each other and Jacqueline had a playful side, often jokingly calling herself the 'boss' and referring to me as her ‘spoiled little baby.’ I rolled my eyes, not feeling up to explaining.
"If that’s what you think, then so be it."
Jeremiah was silent for a moment before asking coldly, "Where are you? I’ll come pick you up." I was tempted to refuse but agreed when I thought about discussing the divorce with him.
"Out in front of Central Hospital."