"Is this really how you want things to be?"
The tight calm that had descended between us was broken by his voice, which was low, strained, and almost imploring. I stared at the floor and tried to contain the emotions that were about to explode, so I didn't respond immediately away. Unspoken words and the weight of everything we weren't discussing filled the air.
With my heart thumping and blood thumping in my ears, I eventually raised my eyes to meet his. Mike stood with his arms folded and his concentrated gaze searching my for something that might explain this mess. However, I had nothing. I was worn out. I was upset. I was also apprehensive. I wouldn't allow him to watch it, though. Not quite yet.
"How do you want things to be, then?" In an attempt to maintain some sort of control, I
