Shadows of the Mind's labyrinth

Chapter 2 - Ivan

Ivan was a man of magnetic charm, a stark contrast to my introverted nature. Our connection sparked unexpectedly during a college party in our senior year. His compliment about my potential as a teacher led to a passionate encounter, and before long, we found ourselves in a modest motel, lost in each other. This whirlwind resulted in the birth of our daughter, Layla, just two months later, followed by our marriage and the birth of our son, Steve, two years on.

Life then was simpler. We were both dedicated professionals—I, an accounting teacher, and Ivan, a software engineer. Our careers were fulfilling, providing for our family's needs. But as the years progressed, a chasm grew between us. Ivan became increasingly absorbed in his phone, his laughter at messages and blushes at emojis creating a silent wedge. In contrast, I poured all my energy into our children, ensuring their well-being while neglecting my own needs.

A pivotal moment came about a year later when Ivan received a significant promotion. We celebrated with a family lunch, joined by my brother Bruce, as our parents had passed away—our father to a heart attack when I was five, and our mother to colon cancer just before my senior year. At the lunch, Bruce introduced us to Shantel. Her warmth and charm were evident, yet I noticed a disturbing spark between her and Ivan, a look of seduction in his eyes that left me feeling insecure and Bruce visibly uncomfortable.

Months after this unsettling encounter, a shocking discovery awaited me. Cleaning up one day, I found Ivan's forgotten smartwatch. A message from Shantel flashed on the screen, confirming my worst fears. Their conversation revealed a betrayal so deep it shattered my world: "Babe, what lies did you tell your crazy wife today?" Shantel had messaged. Ivan replied, "Hey my love, just told her I'm working late." She responded, "Oh great, see you soon my handsome, also don't forget to fetch the divorce papers tonight, you need to leave that freak as soon as possible and let a real woman take care of you, love you."

Confronted with this truth, Ivan left, abandoning not just me but our children too. In the ensuing months, I struggled to cope, becoming a distant figure to my kids as I juggled work, household duties, and the pain of betrayal.

Then, three months ago, news of Ivan's tragic death in an accident with his fiancée, Shantel, broke. The children were devastated, but I was numb, unable to offer them comfort, overwhelmed by my own turmoil.

Now, in a bizarre twist, Ivan was at our door, alive and panicked about the chaos outside. The children, scared and confused, urged me to let him in. Despite everything, I opened the door, only to be met with more confusion. Ivan spoke as if he had just left for work that morning, oblivious to the past months. He urgently suggested we leave, claiming my long-deceased parents and a nonexistent sister were waiting for us.

Confused and alarmed, I tried to process this surreal situation. Where was Bruce, my only sibling? Before I could gather my thoughts, Ivan hurried us into the car, leaving me to grapple with the reality that defied all logic.