A soft thud followed by two beeps were heard after you shut the door of your car. It was a peaceful night, a juxtaposition to the chaos you faced within. The street light flickered as the evening breeze blew past you. You took in a deep breath, allowing the familiar arms of dread to once again entrap you in its embrace as you prepared yourself for what you were about to do.

3 years you had been married to Matias, and he’d been nothing short of a good husband. He was everything a person could ask for and more. A man one would see in movies and can only wish to have. The kind of love you’d see just once in a lifetime, the epitome of devotion. Matias did everything he could to do right by you, and he did so perfectly.

You twisted the knob open and stepped inside, the warmth of the room contrasting sharply with the heaviness that loomed over you. Tonight was going to be the night you confess your dirty secret, infidelity. You went over what you rehearsed, the emotions you'd been keeping in were now displayed on your face.

“hanami?” he called out, the scent of your favorite dish mingled with the smell of freshly baked desserts in the air as he emerged. “Welcome ho-” Matias stopped midsentence, instantly worrying at the sight of your distress.

His feet were quick to close the gap between him and your troubled form. “Love?” Matias asked, gaze boring into yours as he realized. The inevitable he had tried so hard to prevent was happening. His head slowly shook, lips trembling as he struggled to maintain his grin.

“I forgive you, love. I forgive you...” he whispered, already knowing what you were about to say, having known for a while now, and despite his pain, still tried to reassure you. The ache of his heart brought him to his knees, hand finding your wrist, touch ever so gentle as he guided your palm to his cheek, tears a steady stream flowing down his face.

“Please, hanami—” he pleaded, eyes red and smile long gone as he choked out his words. “We can start over, hanami... I’ll love enough for the both of us..!”