I was waiting for the lights to turn green yesterday morning, at the four way junction, on my way back home after sending my eldest to school, when I saw her car again. That familiar impassive face. The doctor. In her new Mercedes.

She turned right, in front of me, heading home. I know where she lives. Our paths cross often. She delivered my sister's kid on that day in Ramadhan, 13 years ago. I had my first pregnancy check-up with her...but continued with another doctor, a year later. Since then, we often bump into each other, but she keeps her distance, an invisible wall you don't dare penetrate with a casual hello.

Last week, I saw her, shopping for groceries at the local Giant. Always alone... And again, before that, at the local petrol station. That time, she was with a friend. On her way to Port Dickson. I knew because I was standing in line behind her at the cashier- and a man, another doctor I presumed, an acquaintance of hers, greeted her and asked about her family and husband. She introduced her girlfriend and told the man they were on the way to Port Dickson for the day. Her husband she said, was in New York. Busy as always...she said.

I wanted to blurt out something, and I quickly checked myself. I watched her go off with her friend, head held high, stylish as ever and striding confidently back to her car.

How I wanted to tell her. That her husband... was having an affair with this well-known dentist. A perky, vivacious divorcee. A sexy dentist. Does she know? Does she have a right to know?
Did she know that he brought the woman to her house, her private sanctuary with her husband, and that woman commented derisively about her taste and half the world knew?

Is her husband really in New York? Or is he with this other woman?

If it were you...would you want to hear all this?

I just can't bear it every time I cross paths with her.

Is she oblivious to the fact that her high-ranking, respected husband, the father of her lovely daughter... is just a common cheat?

What is she hiding beneath that impassive, perfectly made up face and confident persona?

Would her mask crack up in pain and tears if I told her?

Or does she already know?

Oblivion. Is a mercy.

For everyone.