Mr. Dixon said, 'Now, you understand that this formally and officially states that both parties are satisfied with the said parameters of the divorce settlement?'

Paula said, 'Yes.'

John said, 'Yes.'

Paula asked, 'Actually, can you give us a moment alone, please?'

Mr. Dixon said, 'Of course. I will be outside the door if you need me.'

John said, 'Thank you.'

When Mr. Dixon left, Paula and John stood and leaned in a loud silence. Their memories played back all the years they spent with each other. To break the ice, John made the first move.

John said, 'So.'

Paula replied, 'So' with her hands behind her spinal cord.

John slowly said, 'It's all...come...to this.' Then he froze and said, '5 years....of being...together?'

Paula was hurting too. She lowered her head in shame, breathed out her nose, and said, 'Yes.'

John was in a daze and said, 'Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, 5 years of being together, 3 years of being married....all gone.'

Paula pleaded and said, 'John. I'm sorry.'

John responded, 'I know.' Then he paused and said, 'You...couldn't live...a lie.'

Paula remembered that those were the words she used when she finally told John about her and Franzi. They were strong words then; strong enough to drive a railroad spike through his heart.

Paula said, 'John. I am very sorry for this. And I...I wish I could just make it go away.'

John said, 'But you can't.'

His voice was all a whisper. Paula didn't want to drive him angry and she didn't know what to do. Paula walked to John and looked him in the face.

Paula said, 'Maybe ww...maybe we can try to be friends.'

There's nothing somebody wanting to be friends right after they rip your guts out and then throw 'em into the meat grinder. Even the most loneliest of losers couldn't figure that out.

John took a single step back and said, 'I don't know, Paula.' Paula just stood there and listened. 'I mean you...you left me for.....another woman. And now we're here putting a stop on atleast 5 years of history.' Then John stopped and said, 'Just...tell me where WE went wrong.'

Paula said, 'I don't know.' Then, after sitting in silence again, they called back in the lawyer.

Mr. Dixon asked, 'Is everything alright now?'

John said, 'Let's just get this over with.'

Mr. Dixon asked, 'Very well. Now, are there any questions you may have before I file this with the district attorney's office?'

Paula answered, 'No.'

John replied, 'No.'