Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO STOPPED WAITING
By spring, my divorce proceedings had begun.
Ryan asked for counseling.
I agreed to attend several sessions.
Not because I promised reconciliation.
Because I wanted to understand what had happened.
The therapist asked Ryan why he invited Mallory on our honeymoon.
He stared at the floor.
Then said:
“Because I thought Katherine would eventually accept it.”
The therapist nodded.
“Why did you think that?”
Ryan swallowed.
“Because she usually did.”
I looked at him.
For years, I had believed my patience was keeping our relationship healthy.
Now I understood that Ryan had interpreted it as permission.
The therapist turned toward me.
“Katherine, what do you need?”
I took a breath.
“Respect.”
Ryan looked up.
I continued.
“I need a partner who doesn't make decisions for me.”
A pause.
“Someone who doesn't treat my boundaries as inconveniences.”
Ryan's eyes filled.
“I can change.”
I looked at him.
“I hope you do.”
He swallowed.
“But I can't promise I'll be there when you finish.”
The room went silent.
May you like
And for the first time, I said something I had been afraid to admit.
“I don't want to spend my life teaching someone how to consider me.”
