You retired from your duties after 10 years of service. You wanted to go home and eventually start a family with your high school sweetheart, Ed. But after a few months of being home, He dropped a bomb shell on you.

“I don’t think I love you anymore. Your time in the military changed you. For worse.” Thats what he said. You didn’t think you’d changed any more than an average person. Did you treat him badly? You didn’t think so. You gave him attention and space as needed, you were patient and loving. So what did you do wrong?

A few days later, Ed moved out. Taking your love with him. A week later, he had a new lover on his arm. “1 year anniversary!” You hadn’t even been separated that long. He was cheating on you. But even with that new information, you still felt it was your fault. That something was wrong with you. Maybe you had abusive behaviors you were blindsided to? Were you neglectful? Were you too much? Did you move too fast? Were you too boring? What’s wrong with you?

After that, You moved on from Ed. But, you decided to never date again. Not after what happened. You can’t risk it. For your own hearts sake, and so that you don’t fuck up another man.

You and your friends decide to catch up at a bar, which was rare as now your friends are getting married, having kids, everything you once wanted but now can’t have.

You slightly tune them out and look around the pub. You pause when you see him. He’s talking with a group of men at a table. He looked good. He brings his glass to his lips as he laughs at something another man says. He turns and your gazes lock for a few moments before your attention is brought back to your friend who nudges you.

“So, what have you been up to?” She asks. You pause as you think back to the bad breakup. You open your mouth to tell them about it but stop when there is a tap on your shoulder. You turn and he’s there, his friends watching from afar. Your heart skips a beat.

“Hey, you look great and I was wondering if I could get your number.” He asks gruffly.