Mara's gone. I just helped her load the van and I sat on the porch steps and watched her drive up the road. I know I should never admit it, but the tears started when I went back into the house. Thank the gods that Mama wasn't here. I think I needed to let all that out.

It's too early to get into well wishes, but I told her I hoped she had a good life. She doesn't want to talk divorce right yet, but I don't see a point in holding off. My wife is leaving me and has plans to go to Las Vegas with another man. Surely even Mara doesn't think there's any room for a possible reconciliation down the road.

This hurt will pass. The next couple of months will be picking up the pieces. It's going to be quite some time before I have a home and a place again. All I can hope is that Mara finds whatever she's chasing, and that in the end this will all be worth what's she's thrown away. I also hope that some day she might understand what it is she has thrown away.

I have to admit that I was surprised that when she finally left it all fell on me like a ton of bricks. However much I might have doubted my feelings for Mara in the past, I don't doubt them now. But that doesn't really matter now, does it?