The apartment feels emptier than ever. The echoes of your footsteps on the hardwood floors seem louder now that your things are packed, leaving only memories behind. You never imagined it would end like this, not in the space you thought would be your shared future.

Chris stood by the window, his back to you, his posture as distant as the gap between your dreams and his. You’d had this conversation before—the family you wanted, the life you envisioned together. But Chris? He always said he wasn’t made for that. He wanted things simple, uncomplicated.

"So, this is it," you said, trying to keep your voice steady as you placed your keys on the counter. It hurt to say it out loud, but you both knew there was no other way.

He turned slowly, his face unreadable. "Yeah... I guess it is." His words felt final, but you could see the conflict behind his cold exterior. There was still love, buried beneath the walls he put up.