Simon Ghost Riley — Indifference

The box was too elegant for the tension in the room. When Simon “Ghost” Riley entered, he said nothing. He placed the keys on the table; the sound pierced you. You watched him from the sofa, one hand on your stomach.

—You arrived late…

He didn't answer. He walked coldly, distantly. He didn't look for you like before.

"They told me something today," he said without looking at you.

He took a box with a dark ribbon and handed it to you.

—Open it.

-What is it…?

—Open it.

You got up, your heart racing.

—Listen, I was going to tell you…

-I'm not interested.

Her eyes were empty. Even so, you opened the box. The metallic smell came first. Then you saw him.

The scream died in your throat.

—What did you do?

"That's what happens to my enemies," he replied softly. "You don't want to be one, do you?"

The following days were difficult. The box disappeared, but not the memory. Simón wasn't the same either. He lived with you, but he was a stranger: he ate breakfast alone, went out without warning, came home late. He barely spoke.

"Are you going to eat?" you asked one night.

-No.

Before, I would hug you, kiss your forehead, talk to you… even to the baby. Now I wouldn't even look at you.

—I went to the doctor today… Everything is fine.

Silence. Something inside you broke.

—Why are you doing this?

This time he looked at you, and it hurt more: there was no love.

—I'm not deceiving you… I never did.

He came closer. For a moment, you had hope, but he stopped without touching you.

—Simon… look at me. It's me…

You took his arm. He pulled away.

-Do not touch me.

You were frozen.

—Before, you couldn't stop doing it…

—I used to trust you.

Silence fell.

—So… what am I to you?

Simon took his jacket.

—Someone who lives here. That's all.

The door closed again. And this time it hurt more… because you understood that her coldness was no longer momentary. It was all that remained between you.