I’ve been married to Ethan for four years. We’re a typical couple with no kids, and I thought we were happy until everything changed overnight.

After my father passed away a few months ago, I wanted to visit his grave in Europe. I saved over $5,000 in a box in my closet, knowing it was my ticket to closure. Ethan knew about my goal and seemed supportive.

A few days ago, I got off work early and noticed the light in our bedroom was on, even though Ethan was supposed to be at work. I peeked in and saw him kneeling in front of my closet—taking cash from my stash! I called him, pretending I was still at work, and he lied about being busy.

I decided to follow him as he left and saw him go into a fishing store. To my shock, he was buying an inflatable boat and fishing gear with my money! I confronted him in the store. He denied taking my money, claiming he’d been saving for this.

After a heated exchange, he tried to downplay the situation, suggesting I was overreacting. I was furious and left the store, feeling humiliated and betrayed.

Later that evening, Ethan admitted he took the money because he wanted to go on a fishing trip with his friends. He suggested I could push back my trip to visit my dad’s grave. I was livid.

The next day, I made a plan. I asked my boss if I could take my vacation earlier, and she agreed. While Ethan was at work, I packed up all his new fishing gear and returned it to the store. The clerk processed my return without question.

Then, I sold all of Ethan’s used fishing equipment, netting an extra $2,000. With my suitcase packed and the house empty, I headed to the airport without leaving a note.

The flight to Europe was surreal. All I could think about was finally visiting my dad’s grave. When I arrived, I placed daisies at his headstone, tears of relief streaming down my face.

As I knelt there, I thought about Ethan. I wondered how he’d feel coming home to an empty house and no fishing gear. For once, I was putting myself first, focusing on my healing and the closure I needed.