Word Count 650

Marriage is complicated. Divorce is messy. After twenty years in a relationship with a woman, after numerous therapists, couples counseling sessions, tearful and angry nights, I finally spurted out in a session that I wanted to separate.

It was as much a surprise to me as it was to my partner, as I had always been the one begging to work it out. By some force of strength summoned at just the right moment, like an uncontrollable unexpected sneeze, I declared my emancipation. The room was silent. The therapist quietly waiting, my partner in silent shock, my heart pounding, I realized that there was no turning back.