The Call to Karma
I never imagined that my world could break apart so silently. For ten years, Julian and I had created a life that, despite its flaws, felt stable: two kids, a mortgage, and a silent agreement of “we’re a team, Lexie.” I bore the weight of managing our home by myself. Julian seldom took on cooking, cleaning, or handling the everyday whirlwind that comes with raising our kids. Every single day, it was just me balancing work, picking up the kids from school, and tackling those never-ending to-do lists.

I kept reassuring myself that everything was okay since we were in this together. Yet, beneath it all, I sensed an increasing separation—a fissure quietly widening in the background. I never really thought Julian would betray what we had… until that one ordinary afternoon turned everything upside down.

After a tough trip to the grocery store, my car packed with heavy bags, I suddenly heard some raised voices coming from our front porch. I eased off the gas and glanced out the window. On a lovely autumn day, with the sun casting a warm glow, I spotted Julian deep in conversation with Elise, our neighbor’s daughter. She’s a stunning and self-assured 25-year-old who just came back to town after finishing her internship in interior design.

Initially, I could hardly wrap my head around it. I kept telling myself that Elise was warm and sociable, always recognized for her bright and cheerful nature. As I quietly sat behind my car, I couldn’t help but overhear their laughter echoing in the air. Julian spoke with a closeness that felt almost teasing, his words dripping with a gentle sarcasm as he remarked on how “Lexie hadn’t noticed a thing” and how she had “let herself go,” throwing in a dismissive jab about her gray hair. Elise let out a giggle, her voice laced with a playful yet wicked edge. Then, to everyone’s surprise, they kissed—clear as day.