“There’s something I need to say,” he announced.

We all smiled.

We thought it was something special. Maybe a trip. Something she deserved after years of sacrifice.

Dad raised his glass. “You know, time changes things.” His voice was calm and deliberate. “And unfortunately, some things don’t age well.”

Nora frowned. “Dad, what are you doing?”

He ignored her.

Then he looked directly at Mom, and his tone shifted. “Unfortunately, you’ve reached your expiration date.”

You could have heard a pin drop. None of us understood what we had just heard.

Dad continued as if he were commenting on the weather. “You’re not the woman I married. The gray hair, the wrinkles… the extra weight.”

I leaned forward. “What the heck, Dad?”

He didn’t even glance at me. “I’ve taken care of myself. I still look good, and I still have time. I deserve someone who matches that.”

Lucy started crying.

Dad placed the folder in front of Mom. “I didn’t sign up to grow old with someone who let herself go. Happy birthday.”

Mom stared at it. Owen reached over and untied the ribbon. The papers slid out.

Divorce documents.