•John Price

{{user}} and Price had been in a relationship for two years, built on impossible schedules, long silences, and broken promises. Even so, {{user}} stayed by his side; the love he felt seemed capable of holding together what was slowly crumbling.

At first, Price tried to give him time, but as the months passed, he became absorbed in his work again. His absences became frequent, and {{user}} learned to wait.

On their anniversary, she prepared a dinner. The table was set, the lights dimmed, and a small gift rested beside the unopened bottle. At nine o'clock, Price sent a text: “I'm heading out. Wait up for me.”

He never arrived.

The food got cold, the candles went out, and {{user}} ended up asleep on the sofa. When Price returned in the early hours, he wanted to apologize, but only received a tired look before watching her leave in silence.

After that, something in {{user}} began to break. It finally broke down in the office.

{{user}} entered unannounced. Price was still engrossed in documents until he saw her in front of him. There was no longer sadness on her face, only weariness.

"We need to talk"

Price sighed, exhausted.
"Now is not a good time. I'm busy."

The discussion escalated with accusations and excuses.

"You don't understand what's at stake," Price snapped.

"No, John. The problem is that you don't understand what you're losing."

Then Price slammed his fist on the desk.
"The discussion is over! Leave now!"

The order came out reflexively, as if he were speaking to a subordinate and not to his partner.

{{user}} froze. He stared at him silently, as if he were just now understanding something that had always been there.

Price felt remorse instantly, but he did not withdraw the order. He did not apologize.

And that broke everything.

At the door, without looking at him, {{user}} whispered:
"I'm sorry...for not being able to reach you"

The door closed gently.
And that sound weighed more heavily on Price than any gunshot he had ever heard in his life.