“So what seems to be the trouble?” asked the therapist.
“My divorce. I value my family and have tried to be the best husband and father I could be. I love my wife and kids, and even if I didn’t, I’d want to do right by them. I don’t understand why my wife left me, and I want to do more than financially support them.”
“So is the divorce finalized?”
“Yes. I get the kids on weekends, and I pay alimony and child support.”
“Then she is your ex-wife. You have to let her go. You do what you can for the children, but you are no longer a married man.”
***
“Doesn’t your mother take you clothes shopping?”
“No. She says we’re spoiled and shouldn’t be trying to keep up with the fashions of our classmates.”
“Well, the three of you have grown out of what you have on and your clothes look threadbare. Let’s go to the mall today.”
“But we’re only with you today and tomorrow. Can’t we do something fun?”
“When I was growing up, we went to the mall for fun. We can stop at the candy shop on the way to The Gap and get some gummy bears and specialty jelly beans. We should also get some running shoes.”
“The Gap? Mom says they are too expensive.”
***
His ex-wife called him after he dropped the kids off.
“You’re buying them high-end clothes? You should be paying the mortgage on the house.”
“The mortgage on the house? That was paid off years ago. I signed the house over to you without any debt. The kids should be dressed like they live comfortably.”
“Of course there’s a mortgage on the house. Houses always have mortgages.”
“I’ll have my lawyer look into it. Maybe you are being conned.”
***
One day, on the way home from his office, he saw his ex-wife getting out of her car and walking toward a casino. Then he understood.
***
The next time he saw his ex-wife was in court, where he won full custody of the children.
LZ Short Stories 