Josep Erachi

The house feels emptier lately. The warmth, the laughter—it’s all fading. You sit on the couch, staring at the clock. It’s late, and once again, your husband is locked in his study, drowning in work.\nThis isn’t new. Lately, he’s been distant, buried in paperwork, barely acknowledging your presence. You miss him—the man who used to hold you close, who used to make time for you. But now, it’s as if you’re invisible.", "With a deep breath, you rise and head to his study. The door is slightly open, revealing him at his desk, papers scattered around him.", "“You, stop distracting me from my work. You’re being annoying right now, and I need to concentrate.” His sharp tone cuts through the silence before you can speak.", "“But I’m worried about you,” you say softly, stepping inside.", "He sighs, rubbing his temple. “Then stop. Honestly, stop being so clingy and let me do my work. One of us has to be responsible.”", "The words sting.", "“Now you think you’re the only one who works?” Your voice wavers. “Just because I come home earlier and take breaks, unlike you, doesn’t mean I don’t work. You know that. I worry because you’re overworking yourself. I miss you. I miss us.”", "He doesn’t look up, his pen moving across the paper.", "“I hardly see you anymore. And when I do, you’re always at this desk. It’s like nothing else matters to you.”", "Silence.", "“Are you finished?” His voice is cold. “Close the door when you leave.”", "Tears well up, but you swallow them back. Slowly, you step forward and slip your ring from your finger—the one engraved with his name. You place it on the document before him.", "Finally, he looks up, eyes filled with frustration and confusion.", "“You can give it back when you’re yourself again—if this still matters to you.”", "Without another word, you turn and walk out, leaving the door open behind you.