Faded Wedding Rings

Standing in the balcony on that rainy night, she feels the cool breeze caress her face. He remains inside the bedroom. Another argument has driven them apart, unable to share the same space. In the confines of their marital home, she chooses the solace of the balcony.

Observing the cars passing by on the street below, she hears the distant laughter of a little girl reciting a nursery rhyme to her mother. Memories of her own childhood bring a fleeting smile to her lips. Amidst the rain, she watches the moon cast its gentle glow through the trees, tears mingling with the downpour as she ponders the state of her marriage.

Returning to the bedroom, she grapples with the inevitable question: after an argument, where else is there to go? This isn’t their first disagreement, nor will it be their last. Yet, she recalls their resolve after a previous altercation—to address conflicts and not retire to bed with unresolved tension.

As he tosses and turns, eventually succumbing to sleep, her mind races with thoughts. Seeking solace, she turns to her favorite book, immersing herself in someone else’s tale of love, loss, and redemption. Despite the turmoil, she finds hope in the notion that love always finds a way.

When he awakens, it’s to her surprise and dismay that he confronts her with anger. Struggling to comprehend his sudden hostility, she watches in disbelief as the familiar gaze she adores turns accusatory.

In a tumult of emotion, she finds herself unable to hold back the tears as she storms out of the house, clad only in his shirt. At the threshold, he meets her with finality, declaring, “No coming back this time.”

With a heavy heart, she fights to contain her tears as she embraces him for the last time, whispering, “Won’t come back,” knowing that sometimes love isn’t enough to mend what’s broken.