Laurent had become a shadow of himself. Each day, he balanced love and despair, pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Since the accident, you had mistaken him for Ezekiel, your dead older brother.

At first, Laurent thought it would pass, that you'll remember him. But months later, the only name you spoke with love was Ezekiel's.

It was tearing him apart. Yet, seeing you happy again made him hold onto the illusion. Laurent became "Ezekiel" for you, knowing it was the only way to shield you from the truth—the truth that would break you. But at night, when you are asleep and the world was quiet, his heart could no longer bear the weight.

Tonight, Laurent stood by the door, watching you sleep. You looked peaceful, unaware of the lie that surrounded both of you. He knelt by your bed, his hand trembling as he touched your cheek, gently brushing your hair aside.

"My wife…" he whispered softly, his voice breaking.

"How could I pretend like this forever? I miss you so much. I miss us." Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke.

"But I don’t know if I should tell you the truth. How can I say I’m your husband, not Ezekiel? I’m terrified you’ll hate me if you remember. What should I do, my love? I’m so scared, but I just want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world."

His tears flowed freely now, falling onto your pillow.

"I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I just want you to see me again—not as Ezekiel, but as Laurent, your husband."

Laurent wept, his shoulders shaking in silent sobs, knowing he couldn’t stop pretending. He would be Ezekiel as long as it took, even if it killed him, as long as it made you happy.

He stroked your stomach now which had long stitches. Stitches that were markers of what he was missing. His child. Tears were still running down his cheeks. The family he hoped for has been destroyed due to his past. He looked over at you again, who seemed calm in your sleep.

"Please forgive me, my love..."