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"I can't believe it- just tossed out like that. Like 20 years with him just didn't matter."
Stacey poured herself another cup of tea, offering a refill to her friend Jean. Jean accepted, and another steaming cup was poured into an already-twice-emptied mug. Jean just shook her head in disapproval as Stacey spoke.
"You know what I'm saying? It's like he just doesn't care. One day, everything is fine, and the next- it's been nice having you. Thanks for the last 20 years."
"Don't you think that's a little dramatic, Stacey?"
"Not at all. I mean, i'm just glad their kids are grown up and moved out to college by now. Change just isn't easy for little kids to accept."
"Oh I totally agree. Looks like an east European model. Can't be all that supportive- and that's what he needs at his age. And did you see how quickly the change went? Makes me think he'd been looking for a while and had the 'replacement' lined up first before going through with this whole thing."
"You think so?"
"It makes sense. You don't quit your job before you've got another, better one lined up first, do you?"
"Oh- but have you talked to him recently? He's like a totally different guy."
"Yeah... I mean, I like seeing him happy, but this whole thing just came so unexpectedly."
"But how could you not see this coming, Jean? It's been pretty obvious for a while now- even if he's refused to pay attention to the signs."
"Yeah... I just... I don't know. I just don't even like looking over there..."
Jean's voice trailed off as she peered out through the curtains once more. Her powder blue two-door coupe sat just in front of her window, her eyes wandering across the street in passive-aggressive judgment.
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