“He’s a fool,” Mr. Kesler said suddenly. His voice was firm, though soft. Stella turned, surprised. She didn’t expect such a direct comment from this polite-looking old man. “What do you mean, sir?”
Mr. Kesler looked directly into Stella’s eyes. His gaze was sharp yet reassuring, as if transmitting a magical strength that made Stella feel a little stronger. “My dear, in this world there are many people with flawed vision.” “Music, Mister,” Kesler said in a philosophical tone. They are dazzled by glittering shards of glass in the sunlight, thinking they are beautiful gems. To chase after those pieces of glass, they are willing to throw away the genuine diamond they had held tightly for years. Your husband is one of them. He’s so blinded by the glass that he’s forgotten. He just threw away the most precious diamond of his life.
Stella was stunned. The old man’s words were so beautiful and hit her right in the heart. All this time, Gabe had always made her feel worthless, like trash that deserved to be thrown away. But this stranger, whom she had just met 10 minutes ago, called her a diamond.
But I’m not a diamond, sir, Stella objected quietly. Her low self-esteem still dominated her thoughts. I’m just an ordinary woman. I don’t have a high degree. I’m not rich. I’m not beautiful like my husband’s colleagues.
A pretty face and a degree fade with time. My dear Mister Kesler interrupted quickly. But a sincere heart that dares to help an old man on a bus when she herself is in trouble. That is a rare luxury. That is the real diamond. And believe me, one day your husband will weep bitterly when he realizes what he let go of today.
Mister Kesler’s words were like cool water on the barren wasteland of Stella’s heart. For the first time since receiving that divorce summons, Stella felt a little valued. Music. She felt seen as a human being, not as an object that had expired. “Thank you, sir. You are very kind,” Stella said sincerely as she wiped the last of the tears from her cheeks.
I pray that your children will always cherish you because you are a very wise person. Mister Kesler smiled mysteriously at that blessing. He neither confirmed nor denied it. Just gently patted Stella’s hand, which was resting on the seatback. Save your tears, my dear. Don’t cry for someone who doesn’t know your worth. Lift your head. You did nothing wrong. Let the world see that you are strong.
Not long after, the bus driver shouted loudly. courthouse, domestic relations division. Anyone getting off? Get ready. Stella was startled. The short journey had passed so quickly. Her heart began to pound again as she realized she had arrived at the battlefield.
I have to get off here, sir,” Stella said politely as she said her goodbyes. She quickly stood up and, out of reflex, extended her hand again to Mr. Kesler. “Where are you getting off? Let me help you move to the side so you’ll be more comfortable if more passengers get on.”
Mr. Kesler also stood up slowly, holding Stella’s hand for support. I’m getting off here, too, my dear. Stella frowned, puzzled. You have business at the court, too. Yes, I have a small matter to attend to. I thought I’d walk with you, Mr. Kesler replied calmly as he shuffled toward the exit door.
Oh, please don’t trouble yourself, sir. You must be tired, Stella said, feeling awkward. It’s no trouble. On the contrary, I want to make sure you walk in there with your head held high. Consider it my way of paying you back for helping me earlier,” Mr. Kesler said stubbornly, but with a hint of humor.
The bus stopped in front of the imposing courthouse building, which felt cold to Stella. Stella got off first, then patiently helped Mr. Kesler down the rather high steps of the bus. They were now standing on the sidewalk looking at the entrance of the building where the fate of Stella’s marriage would be decided. The sun was getting hotter, but Mr. Kesler’s presence beside her gave Stella a strange sense of calm. She no longer felt like she was facing the world alone.
Even though she was only accompanied by an old man she had just met, it felt much better than arriving alone like a loser. Stella took a deep breath, filling her lungs with new courage. Together with Mr. Kesler, she walked through the courthouse doors, ready to face Gabe and all his arrogance. Unbeknownst to Stella, the old man’s small steps beside her were about to cause a huge stir inside that building.
Very soon, the Cook County Courthouse building stood solid with large pillars rising as if to affirm that this was where all sacred vows would be tested and decided by the judge’s gavvel. Stella entered the building’s courtyard with her heart pounding uncontrollably. The air around felt heavy, perhaps from the aura of sadness and anger from the dozens of couples who came here with the intention of separating.
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