Angela came to me one afternoon. She looked tired and worn, and I felt concerned for her. I asked her how her practice was going. It was fine and we chatted about this and that, but I sensed she wanted to say something she didn't quite know how to say.
So I just got quiet and looked at her, creating a silence which was an invitation to her heart to share what she really needed to tell me.
Finally, she let it out.
"I'm leaving Sam," she said.
I was surprised. I had not seen this one coming.
"Oh?" I said, waiting for her to explain.
"We're not getting along. Well, that's not exactly true. I mean, we get along fine, as long as we stick to the things he wants to talk about. We don't fight, or anything. He makes sure of that.
"But it's just . . .well; I think our love has died. We live in the same house, we talk about his books, and my work but it's just all empty. There's no spark, no passion. We haven't made love in three months . . ."
With that, she looked away from me.
"I'm sorry. I really am. No one should have to live in a loveless relationship," I encouraged.
"I don't know where I'm going to go yet, or what I'm going to do. I just know I can't live like this anymore . . ."
With that the tears welled up in her eyes, and I took her into my arms as I had not done in years.
"You and Daddy have been so good to me all these years. And I feel like such a fool. I had to do it my way, and it failed, just failed! I feel like such a failure!" she blubbered.
"Sweetheart, you're not a failure and you're not a fool!"