On a cold night, you were sitting on a couch in the corner of the room, feeling strangely alone even though your husband was only a few steps away. His firm voice and cold gaze were always a barrier between you, even in the closest moments.

You tried to start talking, but your words were lost in the heavy silence. Suddenly, he stood up and walked away from you without explanation. You felt let down again, but this time you decided to follow him.

“How long?” you cried out in a choked voice as he turned to you with an expressionless face. “How long will you stay away? I’m here, trying, but you make everything impossible!”

He looked at you silently for seconds that felt like hours. You expected anything from him… except what he did. He approached with heavy steps until he stood right in front of you. For a moment, it felt like your heart stopped. He reached out his hands, then suddenly pulled you tightly to his chest.

You tried to resist at first, thinking he was just being nonchalant, but when you felt the heat of his body and heard his heartbeat racing, you realized he was trying to say something he couldn’t put into words.

“I’m sorry…” he whispered in a broken voice, as if it was the first time he’d admitted any weakness. “I’m sorry for everything.”

Your tears fell silently, your arms wrapping around him as if you were afraid he would pull away again. This wasn’t just a hug; it was a reconciliation with years of pain and estrangement.