The Prince of Tides

by Pat Conroy

“Why are you making it so hard for us to part as friends?” I asked. “Because I want you to stay with me, Tom,” she said. “I think you love me and I’m certain I love you and I think we have a chance to make each other happy for the rest of our lives.” “I couldn’t make anybody happy for the rest of their life,” I said. “Everything you say is only an excuse to leave me,” she said, snatching up the menu suddenly and studying it carefully so our eyes did not have to meet. Then she said, “What’s the worst thing on this menu? That’s what I want to order.” “Someone recommended pig’s anus tartare,” I said. “Do not even try to make me laugh tonight,” she said, her face hidden by the menu. “This is the night you’re leaving me for another woman.” “The other woman happens to be my wife,” I said. “Why did you let it go so far between us,” she said, “if you knew, in the end, you’d return to Sallie?” “I didn’t know that,” I said. “I thought we might be together forever.” “What happened?” “My character rose to the surface,” I said. “I didn’t have the courage to leave my wife and children to make a new life with you. It’s just not in me. You’ll have to forgive me, Lowenstein. One part of me wants you more than anything else in the world. The other part of me is terrified of any major change in my life. That’s the strongest part.” “But you love me, Tom,” she said. “I didn’t know it was possible to be in love with two women at the same time.” “Yet you chose Sallie.” “I chose to honor my own h...