H'S

s expression. A strange sense of dread slowly crawled into my chest. I d

e didn't even notice me approaching until I clea

g not to notice the uneasiness written all over his face. What h

marriage. I didn't want to feel again that his work still mattered more to him than I did. He let out a deep breath. But he

I called

date we had always end up ruined? Would they always call for him every single time there was another meeting? I knew how desperately Dave wanted to achieve his dreams, and I could never bring myself to stop him. I didn't want to

ely. Instead, I stared at th

is pleading eyes. As though the decision depended entirely on me. But what

ed you there, then just go. I'll wait for you here." As painful as it was that he still couldn't decide on his o

ared blankly at the way his

finish the meeting as quickly as possible so I can return right a

on't leave me alone again. He stood up

lk farther and farther away until he disappeared from sight completely. And as th

I thought it would have been easier if there had been another woman. At least then, there woul

ed. And yet somehow, loving him was exhausting becaus

derstand us? Our child died. I needed him during those moments more than ever. And

city lights. Listened to the violin music. Repeatedly, I told myself he

his promise. But as time passed, the food on the table grew colder. The candle slow

ince he left. I picked up my phone and tried callin

e ar

d again. Still nothing. My grip around my phone tightened. He wouldn't do this a

answer. No reply. No sign of him. Somet

d my glass with water after notic

ood, ma'am?" My eyes drifted towar

ed quietly. "I'm still

head, struggling to stop the tears gathering in my eyes. Why was it like thi

57

inist from earlier was already gone. The rooftop

of me finally grew tired. Because waiting for someone who

end? A soft, bitter laugh escaped me as I wiped away the tears that finally slid down

second. Work would a

ger approached our table carefully

ry, but we're a

," I whisp

ed cash from my wallet to pay for the food

ack next time." I gave the manager a faint smile. I

ike. Whatever feelings I still had left

rgiving someone who kept making th

ven h