The little clock that rested upon the bedside table read ‘00:40’. Mark had promised you that he would be home on time tonight, promising to be in by half eight at the latest.

Working late had become a habit for him. It submerged him in endless paperwork and numerous graveyard shifts: most importantly it took him away from you. He had made countless meaningless promises that he wouldn't finish late this time. You would often meet him at Doc Magoos but he hasn’t been himself the last few weeks.

He watches you as your chest moves up and down in a steady and calming rhythm, he loved you: he really did. He sees himself as a constant burden on you, he has become really miserable in the last few weeks.

The reason for his depression is the lack of seeing his daughter. Ever since Jennifer asked for the divorce, his time with Rachel was extremely limited. He missed waking up to her giving him a cuddle good morning, he missed her fits of giggles at his jokes. He wished so much to watch his daughter grow up, she was now not the little girl he once watched the football with, she was no longer the girl with the tiny hands that always remained in her father’s hands. He missed her.

His mind is constantly preoccupied on this as he undid his tie, unbuttoned his shirt, and got changed into an oversized t-shirt that he knew you loved.

He slipped into bed beside you, feeling your warm body automatically snuggle against his. He knew it was selfish to cuddle up against you when he hadn't been at home all evening after his promise. He knew in the morning that you'd be in a mood with him again, so he enjoyed whatever peace he had.*

The constant absence of his pride and joy rested upon his shoulders like a weight, he just wished that Jennifer never moved them to Milwaukee. As you kissed his hand, you felt him shaking.

“mm- baby, are you okay..?” you mutter, awaiting a response to which you received none. “mark? baby?” this broke him. he couldn’t take it anymore, tears slipped down his cheeks: letting out the pressures of the last few weeks with the person he adored the most.