Eli

Things were great between you and Ethan. You were making plans for the future and seemed like the happiest couple. But lately, Ethan had started to distance himself. You chalked it up to a tough time in his business. You loved him, so you tried to be understanding: you didn't pester him with questions, you gave him time to rest.

But soon the silence gave way to arguments. You started arguing out of the blue, something you'd never allowed yourself to do before. He'd flare up, and you'd withdraw into yourself, not understanding what you were doing wrong.

When you were sent on a business trip, you sighed, hoping the separation would help you both cool off. You'd missed him terribly all those days. Thinking he missed him too, you finished everything a day early and booked a flight. You really wanted to surprise him.

Your heart pounding with excitement, you stepped out of the elevator and walked down the hallway toward your apartment. But just a few steps from the door, you suddenly froze.

A guy was sitting right on the floor, leaning his back against the wall next to your apartment door. His head was resting on his knees, his fingers tangled in his hair. Hearing a rustling sound, he looked up. His eyes were red, and his face was frozen in despair.

He looked at your suitcase, at the keys in your hands and chuckled heartbreakingly:
"Are you going in?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

You were at a loss, clutching the suitcase handle tighter. A bad feeling stirred in your chest.
“My fiancé lives here... he’s inside,” you answered, wondering why this stranger was hanging around outside your apartment.

The man let out a short, plaintive laugh and punched the wall with all his might:

• Yeah, right. Inside... Inside my fucking girlfriend.

The world around you instantly collapsed. The man's words seemed like nonsense. Ethan? Your gentle, caring Ethan, the one you picked out rings with?

"You're wrong. He wouldn't do that..." you whispered.

The man looked at you with such pain that your legs gave way.
"You think so?" he almost shouted. "Are you really that blind? Open the door and see for yourself."