I told him I wanted to proceed with a divorce, using an agreement that would be reviewed independently and without the old pressure to let him handle the paperwork.

He didn’t shout.

He didn’t tell me I was ungrateful for the years he had cared for me.

“I understand,” he said.

“I hope you do.”

He looked around at the room we’d once shared.

“I wish I’d told you the truth when I still had the chance to tell it as your partner.”

“You did have that chance,” I said gently.