“It matters to me.”
I almost asked why.
But I was too tired.
Too emotionally worn down to keep digging through the ruins of this marriage searching for meaning.
I moved to walk past him.
Then his hand caught my wrist again.
Gentler this time.
Almost hesitant.
Like he was afraid I’d disappear if he held too tightly.
“We…” His voice roughened slightly. “There really isn’t a future for us anymore?”
That question stopped me.
Not because I didn’t know the answer.
Because once upon a time…
That question would’ve destroyed me.
There had been a version of me who would’ve fought for him endlessly.
A version that believed love alone could save anything.
That woman was gone now.
Slowly.
Painfully.
But permanently.
I lowered my gaze.
And answered honestly.
“Yes.”
Just one word.
