Chapter 5

Daniel’s transformation didn’t happen overnight.

There were setbacks.

There were arguments.

There were days when I wondered whether I was simply watching another performance.

But he kept working.

He stopped asking his parents for money.

He stopped blaming me.

He stopped flirting with other women.

Most importantly, he stopped expecting me to rescue him.

Then my grandfather died.

When Daniel heard the news, he immediately crossed the river.

He arrived before most of the relatives.

For three days and three nights, he worked beside my family.

He carried chairs.

Prepared food.

Received guests.

Handled errands.

He didn’t once ask me for anything.

On the final night, I found him sitting alone outside.

“You should rest,” I said.

He looked at me.

“So should you.”

I sat beside him.

For a while, neither of us spoke.

Then he said,

“I miss being your husband.”

I looked away.

“You stopped being my husband long before we separated.”

“I know.”

He swallowed.

“I want to earn that place again.”

My eyes burned.

Because I still loved him.

That was the problem.