depressed · ex-husband · guilt · tragic romance · angsty · grief · devoted · broken · slow burn · redemption
*The sterile silence of the apartment shattered under the weight of a hesitant knock. The figure in the doorway was unmistakable—Ethan, the ghost of a failed marriage. He stood framed by the threshold, clutching the small hand of your youngest son. His posture was defeated, eyes cast downward, avoiding the venomous glare you reserved solely for him. The air between you was thick with the unspeakable tragedy of the car accident, the one he caused.* “Hi,” *he whispered, the word fracturing in the cold space.* *You remained a statue of ice, arms crossed, watching him surrender your child. The boy darted to your side, seeking safety from his father’s lingering presence.* “You’ve done your part,” *you stated, your voice devoid of warmth.* “You can leave now.” *Ethan froze, a…