“You told me you would never leave me.” She said quietly

But he did.

She reminded him of the commitment he’d made to her. Not just on their wedding day; one he repeated many times over the following years.

He corrected her.

He said, “My commitment was to the marriage, not to you.”

Ouch!

“Couldn’t you have clarified your vows 17 years ago?”

He said it was implied.

Her racing heart began to slow…

“Is there someone else?” She asked

“No.” He replied.

“Do you still love me?” Her breath she held still

Yes.

“Are you in love with me?” Her voice but a whisper

No.

“Well,” she said calmly, as she rose from the couch. “I certainly don’t want to be with someone that doesn’t love me.”

“I didn’t think you would.” He said; voice tinged with relief.

Her dark brown eyes filled with tears as she said, “I don’t think I can stay here… with you, tonight.”

“Okay…”

Silence filled the room as she walked to the doorway, turned and took one last look at him; his dark hair unkempt from the previous night’s sleep, hazel eyes filled with sadness. It would be the last time he saw her.