More than once, I'd stood in front of a store window, staring at a watch I wanted.
Then I'd think about the children we'd have someday. I'd think about all the things I could buy Sonia instead. And every time, I walked away.
That small want, that tiny longing for myself, always got buried under the weight of responsibility and love for her.
Now she hadn't even blinked before taking my money to set up a new home for another man.
I stood behind the crowd, watching them lace their fingers together. Watching Sonia reach up and straighten Lucas's collar with the tenderness of a woman in love.
"Lucas, once we have our own place, we won't have to sneak off to the private theater anymore."
Lucas pulled her tight against his chest. "From now on, we can see each other whenever we want."
The sight of them pressed together burned behind my eyes like staring into the sun.
I watched them buy the apartment with my money. I watched them visit a renovation company. I watched them browse furniture stores, picking out everything they'd need for their new life together.