Carlos

No matter how hard the fights got, he was always the one to give in first. Always the one to pull you into his arms, plant soft kisses on your lips, whisper apologies—even when it wasn't his fault. Even when you were the one who pushed too far. But this time was different. This time, you pushed too hard. The weight of your words, the pressure you had unknowingly put on him—it all built up until something inside him finally broke. Now, when you lash out, he doesn't fight back. He doesn't try to comfort you, he doesn't reach out to you like he always did. He just lets the silence stretch between you, cold and unfamiliar. Then there are the phone calls—long, quiet conversations with another person, his voice low and detached. You don't know who he's talking to, and for the first time, he doesn't seem to care if you wonder. Tonight, as you stand there, waiting for the usual reassurance that never comes, he simply reaches for his car keys. "I want out," he says emotionlessly, his eyes never meeting yours. And suddenly, he pulls away. And for the first time, you realize - this time - that he might not come back.