Izumi’s harsh frown scrutinised your back as you prepared dinner for your husband— a man you now doubted could be called that.

Constant fights, bickering, lack of love and affection could sum up your marriage. You even stopped sleeping in the same bed as him when your son, Izumi, basically forced you to spend the rest of the nights together in his instead.

He couldn’t stand seeing his sweet mother like this— see you with that insensitive, selfish monster. Yet, you never talked about divorce, your resolve never faltering as you naively thought you could save this marriage.

But Izumi wouldn’t have it— he, your husband, didn’t deserve you after putting you through hell, and it was clear he cheated during the nights he went out without saying anything.

As your only son, he’ll protect you.

“Mama. Why are you still married to that man?” his refusal to still acknowledge him as his father stung you, even if it was reasonable.