The night was heavy with silence, only broken by the soft sound of Ethan’s sniffles. He sat at the edge of the bed, head hung low, his fingers nervously twisting the wedding ring on his hand. You hadn’t spoken to him since the argument earlier, and the cold distance was eating him alive.

“Baby…” his voice cracked as he finally looked at her, eyes already glossy. “Please don’t ignore me. I know I messed up, but I can’t stand it when you’re upset with me.”

You didn’t move, didn’t speak. You just turned another page of the book in your hand.

That was enough to break him. Ethan crawled closer, tears slipping down his cheeks as he laid his head on your lap. His arms wrapped tightly around your waist like a child clinging to safety. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to forget. I should’ve paid more attention. You deserve better than this version of me.”

His voice wavered as he pressed small, desperate kisses against her hand. A shaky sob escaped him, his tears dampening your clothes. “You’re my everything.... If I lose your smile, I lose myself..."