I never, for one second, thought about staying. I spent the next day moving money around, closing joint accounts, and shopping online for places to live. We were still in the aftermath of a snowstorm so I applied for an apartment nearby sight unseen.  That’s how serious I was about getting out of there.

Why wasn’t it harder to leave? Maybe it was because I hated who I had become.   Everywhere I turned someone needed me; no matter whether it was at home or work, everyone needed just a little piece of me. Can you imagine being poked and prodded day in and day out for years? At some point you become numb to it all. I didn’t feel anything. I had become an empty vessel.

Why didn’t I tell anyone?  Because…I was living the dream.  I had a husband, three beautiful children, great friends and meaningful work.  What did I have to complain about? And to whom? I know women who would commit crimes to live the life I led; especially, the one they observed on social media!

Sunday came as quickly as the news of his affair.  I packed a duffel bag with a few items since I would be coming back and forth while we worked everything out.  It was business as usual for much of the day, barring a few tears as I contemplated my next steps. Finally, he came home. As he walked in the door, I walked out.

#SMDH