At 52, I had a stroke. «The trip’s paid for, get better,» my husband said, then jetted off to the Maldives with the kids….

Of course. Once they were alone, Miguel stayed silent for a long time, studying his ex-wife as if seeing her for the first time. You.

You look good, he finally said. Completely different. Thank you, Pamela replied simply.

You’ve changed too. That was true. Miguel had lost weight, his features were more angular, and there was more gray in his hair.

But the biggest change was in his eyes. The familiar shadow of self-deprecation was gone, replaced by a new kind of focus. I heard about your center, he said after a pause.

Mateo told me you set up something for stroke patients. Yes, we officially opened today, Pamela confirmed. It… It’s admirable, Miguel said with visible effort, choosing his words.

You’ve always been good at organizing something meaningful. Pamela waited silently, sensing that he hadn’t come just to compliment her new endeavor. I wanted to apologize, Miguel finally blurted out.

For the Maldives. For what we did. It was unforgivable.

Why now? Pamela asked. It’s been almost a year. Miguel sighed.

Maybe I needed time to truly realize. And to see that you managed. That you’re okay.

So if I hadn’t managed, you wouldn’t have come? She asked with a hint of irony. No, not like that, Miguel shook his head. Just… You know, when you filed for divorce, I was furious.

I thought you were ungrateful, cruel. I told the kids it was the effect of the illness, that you weren’t yourself. But then, when I had to pay the bills myself, find housing, solve problems.

I began to understand how much you did for us. And how little we appreciated it. Pamela remained silent, but a strange warmth spread inside her.

Not from her ex-husband’s words, but from the realization that she had truly been right. That her decision had changed not only her own life, but had made those around her change as well. And then I heard about your center, Miguel continued.

About how you’re helping other people who went through the same thing you did. And I realized how much stronger you are than me. Stronger than all of us.

You know, Miguel, Pamela said thoughtfully. I don’t hold a grudge against you. Truly.

What happened? It was a necessary lesson. For all of us. Can we fix everything? He asked hopefully.

Pamela shook her head. The past, no. But we can build a new future.

But only now, on equal terms. What does that mean? Miguel looked confused. It means I won’t sacrifice myself anymore for someone else’s comfort.

I won’t solve other people’s problems at the expense of my own desires. I won’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not. She smiled, looking out the window at the evening city…