When the Warmth Fades

I spent seven years teaching Eric, this emotionally unavailable creature, what love was.

But once he learned it, he gave all that love to another woman.

I thought if I was patient enough, he would eventually come back.

Until Eric believed her lies and had people rip my clothes off, all while the blood of our second child flowed beneath me.

In that moment, I finally understood. My love was worthless in his eyes.

I signed the divorce papers and moved far away.

Years later, successful in my career, standing at my own art exhibition, I saw Eric kneel before me, begging for my forgiveness.