Why are you here? Do you want to know?
Let me explain.
My name is Christine. I’m a 33-year-old woman working as an engineer for a manufacturing company.
I’ve been married to my husband, Logan, for 7 years. We are a dual-income couple with no children yet. One day, I hope to have kids and take maternity leave while continuing my career.
However, everything changed unexpectedly one day.
On my way home from work, I was involved in an accident. Logan was on a long-term business trip overseas at the time. My parents rushed to the hospital and took care of everything, including the admission paperwork. They also informed Logan about the accident right away.
Despite their efforts, I felt it was important to talk to Logan myself, especially after hearing the doctor’s explanation.
When I called Logan, I said, “Hey, Logan, I’m sorry to surprise you with this news.”
He replied, clearly worried, “Really? I was shocked. I can’t come back right away, but how are you? Are you okay? I’ve already informed my company, and I’ll return in 5 days.”
I could sense his concern over the phone, so I explained, “It seems I’ve been left with paralysis on one side of my body because of the accident.”
“What? Paralysis on one side of your body? Will it get better with rehab?” he asked, his voice filled with shock.
I told him the truth. “No, it seems it won’t get better anymore.”
Logan went silent for a moment. I could tell he was struggling to process what I had just told him.
I then gathered my courage and shared a decision I had made.
“Logan,” I said softly, “I don’t want to be a burden to you. Your hobbies are outdoor activities and going to festivals. If we stay together, you won’t be able to enjoy those things anymore. That’s why I think we should get a divorce.”
There was a long pause.
I understood his silence. If you were told someone you loved had permanent paralysis, you’d be confused too. On top of that, being suddenly asked for a divorce would leave anyone in shock.
After a few minutes, Logan finally spoke.
“Okay. If you say so, Christine. You’re stubborn, and once you make up your mind, you don’t change it.”
“Yes. Thank you for understanding,” I replied, trying to hold back tears.
After Logan agreed to the divorce, we ended the call. From then on, we switched to texting.
I told him I would ask my parents to leave the divorce papers in our living room the next day. I also mentioned that we would discuss the distribution of property and other details after I was discharged from the hospital.
Lastly, I asked him not to visit me at the hospital. Seeing him would be too painful for me.
Even though I was the one who brought up the divorce, it was one of the hardest decisions of my life. But I believed it was for the best for both of us.
I was surprised at how quickly Logan agreed to the divorce, but I reminded myself that he has his own life, and I have mine. There’s no time to feel sad or stay stuck in the past. I needed to focus on the next chapter of my life immediately.
As planned, I asked my parents to prepare the divorce papers. I told them to place the documents in the living room for Logan to sign when he returned 5 days later.
As expected, Logan came back. He went to our home, signed the papers, and filed them as we had agreed.
That day, he called me briefly after finishing the paperwork.
“I just got back from the office,” he said.
“I see. Take care, Logan,” I replied.
“You too, Christine.”
And just like that, with a short, simple conversation, our seven years of marriage came to an end.
About a week after the divorce was finalized, I found myself waiting in the lobby of the city hall.
I wasn’t alone for long.
“Hey, hey, this way. Hurry up,” I heard a woman’s voice calling out excitedly.