The desire for divorce was sparked when Bella was visiting Mr. Henderson. That time she invited Tom Russell, who arrived shortly after her. Ben Henderson couldn't play chess with Tom because it was his dialysis day. Nancy helped him with the dialysis machine while Bella and Tom waited on the back porch.
As always, Bella would ask about Tom's children who were left with his ex-wife. And as usual, Tom would pretend to complain about the monthly allowance for his children which he thought was too expensive because their mother was so greedy. However, Bella knew Tom loved his children very much.
"Why did you get divorced?" Bella asked. "I've never been told the reason by anyone, because it's your personal business. But, if I may ask, I would like to know."
