“I saw the results of your tests. I don’t need a sickly wife. I’m leaving you for someone else,” the husband announced, unaware of the “surprise” awaiting him there.

“Vera? You’re home early…” Albert stopped short when he saw his wife in the doorway. She stood there like an unpleasant surprise he had in no way expected to receive.

“They let me go early at work—I finished all my tasks. Did something happen? Are you going on a business trip again?”

Albert glanced at the open suitcase. This conversation was the last thing he wanted right now. He had hoped to leave earlier and leave a note—the only way he knew how to handle the situation. Talking things out was always hard for him, especially when he had to tell the truth.

“No…I’m not leaving for work. I’m leaving you.” he forced out, feeling his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth.

For a few seconds Vera stood still. Then she laughed loudly, but the laughter turned into a hoarse sob when tears blurred her eyes.

“A note? You really planned to say goodbye with just a note? How did I offend you so deeply?”

“It’s not about you… I saw the results of your tests. I don’t need a sick wife. And I’ve found someone else. We’ve had an affair for a long time, and I love her.”

Each word hit her like a blow.

“Forgive me. I couldn’t be a good husband. And I’m not ready to take care of a sick woman. You won’t be able to give me a child. So just let me go.”

Vera only nodded. Each of his words cut into her soul, but she understood.

Their three years of marriage were full of ups and downs. When Albert, a designer by profession, fell into depression, Vera was there for him, helping him find a way out, supporting his ideas.