Page 135 of Where Do We Go From Here?
H: Right. Um, OK.
J: I’m merely suggesting that wasn’t entirely unusual.
W: Fine. Well, anyway, no I didn’t enjoy it, Harry.
H: Hey, I’m not criticising, hon. I’m just saying that I don’t think that’s all it was.
W: And I’m telling you that you’re wrong.
H: OK, fine. But you did also… she did also rent a place in France and bugger off there for six months. And that wasn’t about Covid at all. Because it was over by then, wasn’t it?
W: Yes, that was about getting my head together. You know that. And I was away less than three months. Not six.
H:Wasit just about getting your head together, though?
W: You know it was. I needed to be on my own to think, that’s all.
J: And how did it feel, being on your own, um… Wendy? Did you find that you liked it?
W: No. I’ve already said. I didn’t.
J: Not even a little? Because most of us, after years in a long marriage, find some relief in being on our own.
W: No. I mean, OK, maybe a tiny bit. I was so tired, and stressed, and… So yes, sometimes it did feel easier being on my own. Not having to deal with other people…
H: You see. That’s all I was saying.
J: And how about you, Harry?
H: Me?
J: Yes. Were you happier on your own as well?
W: I didn’t say I wa?—
J: Sorry, Wendy. I’m asking Harry a question right now. Harry?
H: OK, I… OK, but I wasn’t on my own, was I? I had both kids with me.
J: I see. But what about Wendy. How did you feel about her absences?
H: Well, I missed her, of course.
W: Of course!
H: But I was very stressed as well. And so were the kids. We all were. So if I’m being honest, having her take her stress elsewhere sometimes felt like a bit of a break.
W: Christ, Harry! Don’t mince your words, eh?
J: No, this is good, Wendy. Harry’s being honest.
W: Fine. Fine! Whatever.
H: Hey, don’t get the hump with me. I’m only trying to answer the questions.
W: Hey, who’s got the hump?
H: You have. I can tell.
