The same car she had seen too many times before. Jonathan’s car. No, she whispered to herself.
Not today. Please, not today. But the car stopped right in front of her corner.
The driver’s window rolled down smoothly and there he was. Jonathan Peterson, her ex-husband, wearing sunglasses that probably cost more than she used to make in a month.
Elena. Jonathan called out cheerfully like they were old friends running into each other. Good morning.
Beautiful day, isn’t it? Elena didn’t answer. She just looked at him, waiting for whatever cruel thing he was going to say.
This time, a few people on the sidewalk slowed down, sensing that something interesting was about to happen.
Jonathan always made sure he had an audience. You know, Elena, Jonathan continued, taking off his sunglasses so she could see his eyes.
I’ve been thinking about you lately. Really, I have. And I realized something important. He paused dramatically, making sure everyone nearby could hear.
I realized that even though our marriage didn’t work out, even though you couldn’t keep up with my success, you were still a part of my journey.
A small part, sure, but a part nonetheless. Elena’s hands tightened around her blanket, but she kept her face calm.
She had learned not to give Jonathan the satisfaction of seeing her hurt. “So, I have something for you,” Jonathan said, reaching into his car.
He pulled out a cream colored envelope, thick and expensive looking. Something very special. He held the envelope out his window, but when Elena didn’t immediately reach for it, he let it drop to the ground near her feet.
“Oops,” he said with a fake apologetic smile. “Sorry about that.” My hands slipped. The small crowd that had gathered watched silently.
Some people looked uncomfortable, shifting their weight from foot to foot, but nobody said anything.
Nobody told Jonathan to stop. Nobody helped Elena. “You might want to pick that up.”
