Artem Mayot

A heavy rain was pouring outside. Flashes of lightning illuminated the room for a second, and then everything was plunged into darkness again.

You stood in the middle of the room, clutching the phone with trembling hands.

• So... it's true?.. You cheated on me?

Tyoma was silent, not daring to look you in the eyes.

• Answer me!

• Yes...

One word - and it was as if everything inside collapsed.

• How could you?.. I believed you...

• I didn't want it to turn out this way.

— You didn't want to?! Then why?!

Tears rolled down your cheeks one after another.

Tyoma abruptly hit the wall with his palm.

• Enough!

• No! That's not enough! You've ruined everything that was between us!

— Shut up...

• I won't shut up!

In a fit of anger, he made a sudden movement and his palm hit you on the cheek.

You froze. A dead silence fell over the room.

Slowly placing your palm on your burning cheek, you looked at him through tears.

— …You hit me…

The voice trembled so much that the last words were barely audible.

Tyoma turned pale. It was as if he himself didn't understand what he had just done.

• No…

He took a step back, breathing heavily.

— I... I didn't mean to...

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

• Damn... I ruined everything...

He slowly sank to the floor, covering his face with his hands.

• I'm sorry... please...

You didn't answer. The tears didn't stop.

Thunder rumbled outside again. The rain only intensified.

With trembling hands, you took the jacket and slowly walked to the door.

— If I leave now...

Tyoma raised his head sharply.

• No need…

You put your hand on the doorknob, but didn't open the door.

A heavy silence fell over the room again...