I looked into her eyes, fascinated by the way the tears made those sapphire blue stars turn to a shiny aquamarine. I concentrated on the black streaks of mascara running from her eyelashes with her salty tears. Anything to avoid such a look of utter devastation on the face of someone I loved so deeply. I held my ice-cold gaze as best I could, never wavering, never faltering. Her lips trembled as she tried to speak and I pitied her, for all she had done. But I couldn’t let her see my weakness. I had decided, I had to go through with it.
“Please David, just listen to me…let me explain. Please,” she whimpered, clawing pathetically at my sleeve.
I stood up and eyed her scornfully. Did she really think it was so easy? Did she think I would forget if she explained why? I could never understand, never let go, and never forgive. I could see that she hadn’t believed me. She didn’t really think that I could leave her. Not now, not ever. But I had to go. She had ruined everything we had built together. I could never trust her again. Not after this. She actually thought we still had a chance, I could tell by the look on her face. She was in pain but her heart wasn’t broken yet. I could tell because she had broken mine. I knew what that looked like, knew what it felt like. She wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Desperation filled those beautiful, lying eyes. “We can have a break, talk about things tomorrow. We’ll get through this. We’ll be okay.”
I shook my head determinedly. “Not this time.” I looked at the door, the way out of this hell and onto the rest of my life. As if she sensed my thoughts, her sobs grew hysterical. Realization dawned on the face I had kissed so many times, the face that had looked me in the eye and told me I could trust her. The face that had proved me wrong. Fear mixed with disbelief echoed her cries. My heart softened until I remembered. The harsh reality hit me in the pit of my stomach and twisted my insides with an iron grip.
What could I do? What choice did I have? I could tell her how hurt I was. I could tell her how much I had loved her. I could even tell her how big of a betrayal her lies were. But it would accomplish nothing. So I walked out that door. Never looked back. Left it all unsaid.
Recent Comments
hollydolly said (9 months ago)
very vivid imagery. he's distracting himself from the fullness of the pain. and i love that even the betrayal itself is unsaid. it could be anything. naturally one thinks of affairs, but it doesn't have to be. i agree with the 'real' feel of it. well done.
terriclark said (10 months ago)
I agree, this is a very good post. I have gotten to the point of even getting through from moment to moment when going through something like this.
Joeprah said (10 months ago)
I looked at the door, the way out of this hell and onto the rest of my life. My favorite line. Well done! I wanted to know more about them both and their situations but this is an unsaid assignment and it works perfectly. Nice!
clairec23 said (10 months ago)
I thought that everyone would write about something like this. It instantly comes to mind when you think of things that might not be said. Or at least it does to me :) I was going for how we focus on the mundane to get us through a huge upheaval so thanks for noticing!
averygray said (10 months ago)
Wow! This is so well-written. I love how you expressed his shell-shocked response--sort of floating over the situation, removed from it. He sees the superficial expressions of her remorse--like the running mascara--and focuses on it rather than allowing himself to feel the enormity of the betrayal. It feels very real. Funny, I wrote about the same thing, but from an outsider's POV. Guess we were both inspired in the same way! Great job!
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melbs1969 said (9 months ago)