Let's Pretend

"Hey, you're home late." She asked him and cuddled closer.

"Yeah. Spend time with the guys at a bar." He answered. "Why do you smell like alcohol?"

"I was in the same bar."

Teary-eyed, she looked him.

"With who?" he asked with caution.

"Friends." She answered as a tear came rushing down.

"Then, why are you home early?"

"I didn't want our friends to see me cry."

He didn't have the guts to talk again. He stared at her, just stared at her teary eyes.

Then, she spoke again.

"I saw you with her."

"Why didn't you stop me?"

"I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"I'm afraid that you'll pick her over me."

Her tears had betrayed her, finally. Now he could clearly see how much she's hurting.

"Why would I do that? I love you."

"If you love me, why are you happier when you're with her?"

He was caught off guard by her. He didn't know what to say.

"How can you tell?"

She looked him in the eye again.

"You look at me differently. I can see loneliness in your eyes when you look at me."

"I'm sorry, baby."

"It's okay. Do you want to be with her? I'll let you."

"Don't you love me, baby?"

"I love you. More than you'll ever love me."

"Then why will you let me leave you?"

"I don't want to see you sad."

He nodded while his tears escaped his eyes.

She came closer, hugged him tighter.

"But tonight, let's pretend you love me, that you're happy with me."

Tonight, he kissed her forehead and caressed her hair. She slept while holding their hands together, she didn't want to let go.

It was six in the morning, both had to go to work later.

He woke up earlier than usual. He wanted to make it up to her. He kissed her cheek and felt her cold. He stood up and covered her with a thick blanket, purple, her favorite color. 

He went to the kitchen and fried some eggs and bacon. He even put butter on her toasted bread, something he doesn't do everyday. He squeezed some orange and put it in a tall glass, something she's very fond of. And as an additional touch, he went outside the house and picked a long stemmed white rose, something she wanted but he never tolerated. 

He came back into the room. He pinched her nose. He kissed her lips. He whispered I love you. And for the first time, she didn't pay attention. He held her hand and found a note.

'I'm sorry for not paying attention. I'll sorry for letting you go. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to be a burden for you. I know this will be easy for you. I know you're strong. I thank God for letting you find someone else before I leave you. Take care, my love. I love you.'

For the last time, she's there. Stiff. Motionless. Lifeless and unable to kiss him back like she used to.