I meant the reasons aren't bad, not the stories

I meant I'm not entirely sure about the situation, not your stories. So I assumed it was rules related, hence thanked you. 🙂

The idea was to establish that both conclusions are okay if the person is aiming to improve their life.

I think you missed my point.
The "either/or, fine" idea would have been manifested in a clearer way (in my opinion) if the person wasn't aware of it and didn't keep memories about what happened on the first path.

All the new years we lived in the house have disappeared as the flowers and grass looked weak again.

What added to the impression that "he learned from the first path experience" also, was the way he handled the dogs for example, and the less "self-pity" he expressed.
And that said, the question I asked about why would he then take the different choice regarding the divorce arises.

I hope you get what I mean.
But either/or, it was a good read. 🙂