The Part-Time Wife

– Little one, the wedding is a condition set by my father. He wants his grandchild to be born only in a marriage like that.

In her husband’s voice, warmth toward the person he’s speaking to blends with a cold, almost poisonous attitude toward the conversation itself.

– And don’t dare to be jealous of Sonya. She’s a “wife for half the time.” Yes, she got pregnant, just as I warned you. But that’s also my father’s whim.

I freeze as if I’ve forgotten how to breathe. Everything blurs before my eyes; the world sways in colorful spots. I already know, down to the smallest detail, whose voice will sound next—the voice of my husband’s ex. And she says:

– Ilyusha, you understand, I won’t tolerate it if you sleep with your wife. I’ll leave, like then.

A pause. And my husband answers quietly, but firmly, repeating what he said earlier:

– She’s pregnant—I'll find an excuse not to get into bed with her. Remember: Sonya is a wife for half the time.