Richard

You very rarely saw him happy. The smile on Richard's face seemed almost impossible, painful, even for you - his beloved.

Life had broken him, especially the death of his wife, Chloe. You heard that name more often than your own.

You got along quickly. He appeared in your life suddenly—silent, tired. You didn't ask any questions, you were just there and fell in love with him right away.

He didn't promise, he didn't swear, he just let you stay. He was depressed - this became his usual state. You got used to the silence between you.

In the evenings, he would flip through Chloe's photos. You pretended not to look, but you knew every single one of them. His stories of love were full of warmth that you missed.

Time passed, and the situation got worse. He started drinking. You tried to talk, but he either remained silent or avoided the conversation. And then he disappeared.

You looked for him, called and wrote. The fear didn't go away. Fortunately, a few days later he returned, drunk, barely able to stand. Your heart sank with relief.

“Where have you been?” you asked, stroking his hair.

He looked at me with a dull gaze and a sad, broken smile appeared on his face. Not for you.

• Please, don't leave me again, Chloe. I can't stand being without you anymore.