“I don’t believe you!”
“It’s not a question of believing me.”
Lisa and Tom circled each other, avoiding the truth in the other’s words. The air was emotionally charged. Tom collapsed into a nearby armchair.
“Why are you giving up on us?”
“I’m not giving up Lise, I’m accepting the end.” He looked at her, begging her to back down, to let it be. He was tired of this endless fighting and he just wanted it to finally be over.
“Tom, listen to me. We could still make this work, it’s not too late.” She looked at him, begging him to agree. Tears hid behind her eyelids and clung on to the end of her words.
“It is too late.”
“No!” She cried, suddenly picking up a framed photo from the table and throwing it into the wall. The tears had escaped now and were streaming down her face. Tom just looked at her as if she was a being from another planet. She hated that look, it made her feel crazy.
“Calm down.”
“Don’t you dare tell me what to do.” Lisa tried to walk to the couch but slipped on the broken glass and collapsed onto the floor, which started her sobbing again.
“It’s not working anymore sweetheart; even you must be able to see that.” He tried again to console her, to convince her to let him go.
“I hate myself for ruining this.” She confessed into her folded arms.
“Don’t hate yourself, you’re wonderful. You deserve someone who is perfect for you.”
“I thought that was you.” She sat up now, still sniveling, propping herself against the wall.
“Trial and error baby, that’s all.” He smiled at her, feeling the atmosphere ease. He got up and picked her up to put her on the couch. She cuddled in to his arms and inhaled deeply.
“I’ll never forget your smell.”
“I’ll never forget you.”
“Are you leaving tonight, right now?” She lay on the couch defeated.
“Yes.”
“Will you miss me?”
“Yes.”
“I love you Tom.”
“I know Lisa.” He went over to give her one last hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. Then, he left. She followed him to the door and stood there watching him long after he had disappeared into the night.