Nobody thought it was strange when, after twenty-five years of marriage, and after raising their children together, Dr. Pompeu's wife filed for divorce. The reasons behind it were the usual for the time: she didn't want to be a housewife. She wanted to live her own life, study psychology, have her own career. Alright. The scandal, evidence of lingering prejudices, really occurred when it was discovered that Dr. Pompeu had found a husband instead of a new wife.
-Who would've thunk it? Dr. Pompeu.
His now ex-wife demanded an explanation.
-Pompeu, have you lost your mind?
-Why?
-All these years, I never thought you were... one of those.
-Those what?
-You know exactly what I mean. A...
And she was quiet, because at that very moment Dr. Pompeu's husband came home. A man only a few years older than he, salt and pepper hair, an air of respectability about him. A businessman.
-Hello...said Dr. Pompeu's husband, a little embarrassed.
-Hi! said Dr. Pompeu, happily.
-Good evening, the woman said dryly.
-Dr. Pompeu's husband went to the bathroom to take his shower after hearing Dr. Pompeu say that dinner would be read any minute. When the woman opened her mouth to speak again, Dr. Pompeu stopped her with a gesture.
-It's not what you think, he said.
-Not what I think, Pompeu. What everybody thinks.
-We have an agreement. I take care of the house for him. I supervise the maid's work, I get groceries, do everything that needs to be done so that he will have a happy and organized domestic life. In return, he supports me. We have no sexual contact whatsoever, because we are not, as you so elegantly put it, one of those.
-But, Pompeu...
-I have no complaints. My standard of living is much higher now. He gives me everything I need. Including, by the way, your alimony. So nowadays I can do what I always dreamed. I don't work, I don't worry about the bills, about the family's financial security, all the things men worry about. And what's best, when I have to describe my profession I can say, "stay-at-home."
-But Pompeu!
-Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get dinner on the table. After dinner he likes watching the Nightly News, and I wait for my soaps. Take care.
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