More telling than any argument was the quiet in the living room. Each second dragged like a burden neither of them wanted to bear any longer, and the wall clock's gentle ticking filled the void between them.
With his hands in his pockets and his eyes averted, Lucas stood close to the window. As the sun started to set, Lorna sat with her arms folded on the couch's armrest and watched the shadows move across the carpet.
At last, Lucas said in a level but sorrowful voice, "I think I should move out."
Lorna appeared unsurprised. She didn't wince or inquire as to why. She just slowly nodded while lowering her gaze. "All right."
Lucas looked directly into her face, looking for any sign that they were still in love, such as a glimmer of resistance, a request, or even rage. But no matter what emotion he hoped for, her silence was louder.
He went on, "We're not...us anymore."
She said, just above a whisper, "I know."
They were both aware that the fights had become more intense. Silence lingers. Once a lifeline, the connection now felt like a tether to unspoken truths and guilt. Their relationship had gradually lost its warmth as a result of Jason's hardships, the arguments in court, and the co-parenting dinners.
I'll look for an apartment close by," Lucas added. "Something that gives Jason room so he doesn't feel like he's divided."
Lorna's eyes were soft but resigned as she looked up at last. "That would be ideal. For him.
Lucas laughed a little bitterly. Remember how we used to dream about eternity? large home, loud meals, and aging together.
"I recall," said Lorna. "However, loving someone sometimes entails knowing when to stop causing them pain."
He paused. "Are you still in love with me?"
She hesitated. then gave a painfully honest response. "I'm not sure."
Lucas turned his head away. "I'm not either."
Neither had moved, but the room felt more empty. There was silence for a few more seconds, and then he went upstairs to pack some things. Lorna stayed put, gazing at the blank wall in front of her. Only the pain of inevitable fate was present, without any tears.
Jason's gentle footsteps came from the corridor. Sensing that something had changed again, he peered in. He climbed into Lorna's lap after she opened her arms to him.
Knowing the answer, he asked, "Is Daddy going away?"
Lorna kissed his forehead and put her arms around him. "He's simply getting some room, my love. However, he still loves you and is your father."
For a brief moment, she was only able to hold Jason close to her chest in the hopes that her embrace would protect him from the fissures that were beginning to form around their lives.
A suitcase zipped shut upstairs.
A mother downstairs clung to her son and the last shaky remnants of the life she had worked so hard to preserve.