The tale of Lisa and Tom’s marriage is one of startling deceit and unanticipated empowerment. Lisa is the first to notice anything is wrong even though she appears to be in a happy marriage. She cooks Tom breakfast on her day off, but their conversation is heated and characterized by a small quarrel about blueberries. Tom’s aloof demeanor and growing impatience are signs of more serious problems simmering beneath the surface.
Lisa makes the decision to spend the day at the pool with her best friend, May, feeling the need to get away from the mounting stress at home. But Lisa finds Tom and a young blonde woman sitting by the pool, their body language clearly personal, and their otherwise peaceful day takes a tragic turn. As Lisa gets ready to confront Tom, her shock rapidly turns to rage. However, a young man who claims that Tom cheated on his girlfriend with her beats Lisa to the punch.
Lisa finds the public altercation to be both illuminating and embarrassing. Lisa sees the extent of Tom’s betrayal as she witnesses the man who had always been the strong, self-assured man in her life turned into a cowardly sniveler. Driven by a dual sense of delight and fury, she captures the event with the knowledge that she can reveal Tom’s dishonesty.
Tom tries to apologize and ask for forgiveness when he gets home, but Lisa is unwavering. Their marriage’s trust has been irreparably damaged. Tom’s cries soon turn irrational as he accuses Lisa of being cold and pushing him away, and he holds her responsible for his adultery. However, Lisa won’t take responsibility for his deeds. With a swift decision, she uploads the footage to Tom’s supervisor—who also happens to be the blonde woman’s father—sealing Tom’s doom.
The repercussions of Lisa’s behavior are immediate and catastrophic. After losing his work, Tom’s life starts to fall apart. In the meanwhile, Lisa feels liberated rather than remorseful or depressed. She is excited to start over after filing for divorce, free from the treachery and lies that had held her back for so long.
This narrative serves as a potent reminder that, on occasion, the best things come to an end. In Lisa’s case, the betrayal that ended her marriage also freed her, enabling her to find her strength and independence again and look forward to a bright future.
