Swan Song

“Holly, isn’t there a way we can work this out?”

“Art, we’ve been trying to work this out for a long time. We made it through getting your career started, two kids, over-coming debt…I think it’s time for me now. It‘s time for us to say good-bye.”

“Aww, Baby! Don’t be that way. We have a history together.”

“No! You had a history! I was always in the background. Think about it. You are one of the most prestigious VPs in your field, and never once did you give me any credit for getting you there. I worked so many years at crappy jobs to finance your backings in the communications industry. Sacrificed a career of my own just to get you where you are today.”

“C’mon Holly, I’ve given you everything! A two million dollar home, a Lexus, wonderful vacations to exotic places…”

“You’re missing the point. This home, as you call it, although it housed our children, it was the staging area for business soirees and dinners. I was nothing but a glorified maid. Never once did you introduce me to the people who attended. Not one damn time did you even say my name in front of them. It was like you were ashamed of me. Well, I’ve had it with being put last.”

“Ahh, you’re right. I have been a thoughtless and selfish cad. You have to admit, though, I never failed to say I loved you.”

“No, you did give me that, but did you ever mean it?”

“…”

“See, you can’t even be honest with that. I bet you didn’t even notice that I had been taking classes the last two years. I now have a chance to become a editor with an elite fashion magazine. If there was one thing I learned while married to you, I learned fashion so I would always look good for you and your associates.”

“Really? My God, I’ve been blind!”

“Yes you have, Art. Blind to so many things. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to finish packing. My plane leaves in three hours for New York.”

“Honey, isn’t there anything I can do to make up for this? Any way I can convince you not to go?”

“Yes, you can grant me a divorce without a fuss. There is nothing you can do to make me stay. All I ask of you is to say good-bye and mean it.”

“But, Holly, Honey! You are going to throw away twenty-three years of marriage and love…”

“You threw it away by ignoring me and my happiness. I’m really losing nothing with you. Now, just say good-bye, Art.”

“Good-bye, Holly. I love you and I’ll miss you.”

“Good-bye, Art. I loved you, but I won’t be missing you.”