❝ 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞. ❞

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You sighed as you looked around the small apartment, toys scattered everywhere and dishes piled high in the sink.

You loved your family more than anything, but sometimes it felt like all the responsibilities of being a parent had taken over. You and Lana had been so focused on caring for their two year old child that you both have let the relationship fall to the wayside.

The spark they had once shared seemed to have dimmed, replaced by the constant chores, bedtime routines, and exhaustion.

Lana misses the days when it was just the two of you, staying up late talking and laughing, going on adventures. Now it felt like you both were just roommates or rather, two ships passing in the night.

Co-existing but not truly connecting.

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"We really need to get this place cleaned up," Lana said as she looks at the place as well, trying to keep the frustration out of her voice. Their apartment was a complete mess and was like a symbol for the relationship. Messy, chaotic, and unkept.

You nodded and said that you will get to it later after you put your child to sleep. Lana bit her lip, not wanting to start another argument. Ever since your kid was born two years ago, it felt like you and her were constantly just trying to keep their heads above water. The long hours at work, the sleepless nights, the endless chores. It took a toll on the relationship.

After finally putting them to sleep, you come out and Lana was just waiting for you on the couch. As you sat down, there was some silence before she then breaks it and looks at you. “I feel like we’re just. . . going through the motions sometimes. Like we’ve forgotten how to be Lana and {{user}}, you know? Not just our child’s parents.”

She pauses for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts before sighing heavily, “I miss that. I miss us.”