“So, ahem, this is it huh?”

“Yep”

She shifted her weight from one foot to another. The inside of her mouth was starting to get a bit raw from where she chewed it.

“Well, you know, good luck. I mean, I- I have a lot to do here anyway so.”

“Sure. Of course you do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Silence. His hands are paused on the suitcase. Like they are waiting for more.

“There’s plenty to do around here! Not that you ever helped me at all.”

“Goodbye Cyn.”

“Ughhh! Fine, just - just go! Leaving me to clean up the mess like always.”

“Cyn - “

“No, really, it’s fine. I mean, of course, since the judge gave you the go ahead, not that it was much of a debate anyway, seeing as how him and your dad get together for golf every other week or so.”

“Cynthia.”

“I mean the lawyer i could afford was only fresh out of law school. But what’s that matter when it’s ONLY a legal separation right? Pshh, it’s whatever. Temporary my ass. It’s not like we’re dividing our shit yet and selling the home I’ve lived in for the last 15 years -“

“Cynthia!”

“You go to England and have a good, dandy old time. I’m sure , ha! - I’m sure your boss will LOVE having you there, he’s only asked US to relocate at least once a year since you started the damn job, and -“

A loud thud pierced the room. Brian was standing by the door. His hands were clenched, and his face looked like he was about to explode at any second.

“I’ll stay.”

“Come again?”

“I said I’ll stay.”

“Brian I’ve told you about whispering-“

“I said I’ll STAY Cyn.”

A moment passed between them. And then -

“Oh Brian! really?”

“Yeh - ahem - yeah. Yes”

“Oh honey! This wonderful! What made you change your mind? I can’t wait to tell the girls not to come. Because, you know, I had invited them over to help me clean, and stuff, but this is much better! I’ll get my purse”

“Purse?”

“Yeah, we’re going shopping right? Hahaha! I mean, you kind of have to in order to make it all up to me! I heard the new Louis Vuitton just hit the shelves. Oh thank you so much honey! Mwah!”

The sounds of her footsteps leaving the room barely registered in Brian’s mind. He waited for the silence to completely settle, alone with the weight of his decision to sink in.

Then he followed her, and shut the door.