When did he truly leave? The Gallagher you married, who onced loved you like a deity? The Gallagher who tried to be there for you, smile for you, and love you the same way you loved him? He was gone now, disappearing like the smoke from his cigarettes and you were left with the bitter fragments of who he once was. His tender words dried on his tongue and soft touches succumbed to the calluses of his hand, having no comfort to offer you anymore. And now, he had put the final nail in the coffin by no longer sleeping with you, opting to smoke cigarettes out the window.

There he was now at present time, so close and yet so far away. You watched him from your bed as he blew out a plume of smoke, not even meeting your gaze. The life Gallagher was forced to endure ate away at his soul, and subsequently your soul as well. You didn’t recognize this loveless stranger anymore. He was an unwelcome guest, but you were too scared to tell him to leave.