All Chapters of Divorce Papers Signed Over a Spicy Meal: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Soup spilled on the ground, its rising steam instantly torn away by the cold wind.Julian's voice shook as he said, "Nina, you can't do this. Capin is our home."I shook my head."That was your home, not mine. I lived here for seven years and still felt like a guest. There wasn't spice in the kitchen, and none of my things were in the living room."Even the smoked ham my mom sent me, I had to eat in secret when you were out. Julian, I stopped having a home a long time ago."Tears ran down his face again."Then I'll change. Come back, and we'll fill our house with whatever you want. I'll fill the kitchen with spice. I'll plant the flowers you like on the balcony. "I'll go home with you and see your mom, too. I'll listen to whatever you say from now on."I looked at him and saw myself from seven years ago.Back then, I'd been the same. Offering up my heart with trembling hands, I used to tell him softly, "Julian, I can learn. I can change. I just want us to have a good life."

People asked me, "Nina, where'd you learn to cook like this?"I smiled and said, "My mom taught me."Others asked, "Why did you come back alone?"I smiled at that too and replied, "To live my own life."The days passed slowly, but steadily.I got to know people again. The woman next door saved me a warm bowl of breakfast every day. The cobbler at the corner always said I didn't skimp on the food. Old classmates would bring their kids in to eat and laugh, saying I'd finally decided to come home.I used to think that divorce was something to be ashamed of.Later, I realized that the real shame was staying unhappy and convincing yourself you could endure it.Winter came fast. The cold here wasn't as harsh as Capin's, but the chill still seeped into my bones.One evening, as I was closing the diner, I saw Julian at the end of the street.He was wearing a black coat, damp from the rain, and looked far too thin.When he saw me, he didn't come closer at first. He only watched me fr