Withdrawal Symptoms

Summary

At eighteen, I walked in on Ned fastening a scholarship girl’s bra strap.

The young man looked incredibly solemn, his clumsy fingers fumbling with the clasp in a hesitant, awkward rhythm.

At twenty-six, following family arrangements, I married Ned.

But everyone in our elite circle knew he kept a portrait of that scholarship girl locked away in his study.

In our third year of marriage, I asked for a divorce.

He was silent for a long time before signing the agreement.

"If you ever need help in the future, just ask."

Later, I walked into a gala on the arm of my new law firm partner.