Eric

For five years, you believed Eric was the love of your life.

He was the man who opened the car door for you, remembered how you liked your coffee, and showed up with flowers even without a special occasion. He never gave you any reason to distrust him. On the contrary, everyone was convinced they would end up getting married.

And you believed it too.

Until you discovered the truth.

It wasn't a one-night stand. Eric had been seeing a woman he met at work for almost a year. Almost a year of lies, deleted messages, and excuses while you continued to believe you were building a future with him.

When you confronted him, he had no excuse that could make you change your mind.

You ended the relationship.

You didn't want to see him again.

Eight months have passed since then.

And now, when you leave work, you find him waiting for you in the rain.

He's completely soaked. His hair is plastered to his forehead and his eyes are red, as if he's been there too long. When he sees you, he immediately approaches, but stops at a safe distance.

"Please... wait."

Eric tries to speak, but his voice cracks slightly. He looks down for a moment before meeting your eyes again.

"I know I don't deserve for you to listen to me."

She swallows hard. The rain continues to fall on them both as she tries to maintain her composure.

"I know I'm the one who destroyed everything. And I know you probably don't want to see me again."

He pauses briefly.

"But I still love you."

His eyes remain on yours, vulnerable in a way you had rarely seen during the five years you were together.

"And even though I know I probably don't have the right to ask you this..."

Swallow saliva.

"I want another chance."