The Fork in the Road

Kendra had thought about this exact moment in life more times than she could count. She always said if she could go back, she would pick differently. It seemed the universe heard her, and granted that wish. Now she was faced with that choice once again. Kendra knew where one path would take her. She had lived it. It was okay, and comfortable but she craved more. In this life, she'd gotten married to someone who she did love but, she also sacrificed a lot and ignored red flag after red flag. Kendra was forced to sweep so much under the rug to keep the peace and it was tearing her up inside. Kendra didn't know what to do. She had expressed to her husband so many times over the years about what she wanted and needed to feel loved and secure. She felt as though all the effort was one sided. All she wanted was to feel special, to feel needed, for him to show her that there was no doubt she was his one and only. For people to look at them and think that man is head over heels for that woman. Nothing ever changed. She expressed her feelings less and less, knowing nothing would change. Kendra started to resent her partner and she knew it would turn in to hate over time. Kendra knew Henry wasn't a bad person. He provided for their family, and was an amazing father to their kids. Everyone made a point to tell her how lucky she was that he was involved with the kids and took on sharing the household chores. While she appreciated those things, no one knew how much he fell short as a husband and partner. Henry was plagued with an addiction. He had sworn he had quit so many times, only for her to find out one way or another that he had been hiding it. Constantly finding new ways to keep her in the dark. Every time she finally felt like they were building some trust back, it would go back to ground zero. If he was ever gifted cash, she knew exactly what he was going to spend it on. Kendra had even just pleaded with him to not lie and hide it from her. If he was at least honest, she could deal with that. He'd tell her he'd would..but he didn't. It was always empty words with Henry. Never any actual change. They were happy at times, she couldn't deny that. They shared some great memories and were comfortable and content most of the time. He was her best friend after all but, sometimes that's all it felt like. Roommates who shared a bed. Kendra felt stuck and it was too late to turn back now. It felt as if it was her own fault. Kendra had had a choice between two men at one point in her life.