"Just go find another woman, Jack,” you said, your voice cracking at the edges despite how hard you tried to keep it steady. “Someone who understands your absences. Someone who won’t get angry every time you choose the hospital over her.”

The words hung between you like something fragile that had already shattered.

Jack didn’t answer right away.

Instead, he stepped closer. Too close. Before you could turn away, his hand came up, warm and careful, cupping your cheek. His thumb brushed under your eye, wiping away the tear that betrayed you.

“You finally look up at me,” he murmured softly. “Messy ugly.”

You did look up then with eyes red, lashes clumped together, face wet and unguarded. And that was all it took.

You let out a broken sound and cried harder. “What do you mean…” your voice shook. “You always call me that when I’m crying. You keep saying I’m a mess.” You swallowed, pain spilling out with every word. “You never say a nice thing to me.”