her husband lives in the basement

she told

me on the first date that she was

separated from

her husband, but 

with a divorce

pending.

it was all about paperwork,

she said,

finances,

the house, the dog,

medical bills

and insurance.

oh, i said, okay. so the wheels

are in motion.

yes.

she said. we hardly ever talk

anymore.

what do you mean, i asked her.

well.

he lives in the basement,

but we share

a bathroom

and the kitchen

and television in the living room.

sometimes we

do eat dinner together, but

mostly during

the holidays

when we have people over

for a party.

so, he lives in the basement?

yes.

he has his own entrance down

there.

sometimes i have to bang

a broom

on the floor

when i hear him snoring

at night, but for the most

part,

it's like he's not even there.

hmmm,

very interesting arrangement

you have there.

so what's your estimate as to when

you will actually

be divorced?

ummm. not sure, i mean it's

only been going on like this

for seven years.

so basically,

you're separated, but not legally.

right?

you're separated by

drywall.

umm, yes. i guess so. 

that's a good way

to put it. you're so smart.

well, i should be getting home,

he's probably wondering where

i am.