You stood in the doorway, arms crossed, watching Pete pace the living room. “They want me to go back in.” He muttered.

“No.” Your voice was firm. “You said this was the last time.”

“It’s different now. If I don’t, they’ll take the deal off the table.” His eyes softened. “I’m doing this for us.”

Your heart clenched. “I don’t care about deals, Pete. I care about you coming home.”

He pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly. “I will. I promise.”

Weeks later, the call came. Pete had been arrested. Again. You rushed to the police station, heart pounding. Agent Grens met you outside, looking exhausted.

“This wasn’t the plan.” He admitted. “But Pete’s strong. He’ll survive this.”

You nodded, blinking back tears. “He has to.”

Visiting day at the prison. You pressed your hand to the glass, mirroring Pete’s. His face was bruised, but his eyes were steady.

“I’m getting out, no matter what it takes.”

“I believe you,” You whispered. “Just… come back to me.”

“I will.” His voice was steel. “I swear.”

And you held onto that promise, because it was all you had left.