Divorced

Eulalia, catching the scent of smoke from Percival, couldn’t help but cough, a tear streaking down her cheek. Percival rose and said, “I’ll contact the lawyer right away to get him here,” before leaving the room. Eulalia watched his departing figure, gently wiping the tear from her eye corner. She felt an overwhelming coldness, as though winter had come early, her blood chilled as if laced with ice shards.

She didn’t want to cry, yet the more she wiped, the more her tears fell. She covered her mouth, suppressing the heartache that throbbed within. Meanwhile, Percival was outside, calling the lawyer to draft a divorce agreement. He chose the same lawyer as before, who was momentarily stunned upon hearing “divorce agreement.” It seemed only recently they had battled in court, with Percival adamant against divorce. Why this sudden change?

Mr. Win, uncertain of Percival’s intentions, hurriedly dressed and rushed to Repulse Bay, making the usual hour-long journey in forty minutes. The agre