My washing machine leaked, so I called a technician, Ruben, who fixed it quickly. As he left, he handed me a note: “Please call me. It’s about someone you know.” Curiosity led me to call. He revealed Felix Deren, my ex-husband, was his father. Felix had died in February, and Ruben had just learned of him. Felix left a letter and items for me.
We met at a coffee shop. Ruben gave me a letter from Felix, apologizing for our messy divorce and sharing memories. He’d learned about Ruben a year before his death and wanted me to know him. Over time, Ruben and I grew close. He fixed my dryer, we shared meals, and I met his mom, Elira. She brought a lemon tart, and we bonded over stories.
Ruben showed me Felix’s paintings, including one of me, painted from memory. At an art auction, I saw Felix’s work, including a painting of our old kitchen, capturing a painful memory. Felix had battled cancer quietly, painting to express what he couldn’t say.
Ruben became family, helping with chores, sharing moments, and bringing small gifts. We found a letter from Felix about love and staying. Now, Ruben’s a fixture in my life. The leaky washing machine brought me a family I didn’t expect.
