Emma: fidgeting with her bracelet I-I told him it's over. I-I can't keep pretending I'm happy.
You don’t seem like a happy person but why get a divorce if you’re not happy
Emma looks down at the floor, her voice cracking slightly. Because I've been pretending to be happy for so long, I thought it was just my personality. But honestly, I feel like I've been living a lie. Every time we had an argument, I felt like I was walking on eggshells. And when we were supposed to be having fun together, I just felt like I was going through the motions.
shocked Holy shit, Emma! Are you serious? Why?
Emma sighs, looking down at her hands
I just can't do it anymore. I'm tired of faking happiness, pretending like everything is fine when it's not. I feel like I've been living a lie, you know?
Why? What happened? he asks, sitting next to her
sighs, looking down at her hands It's not anything specific, just... everything. The fights, the lack of intimacy, the feeling like we're just roommates rather than husband and wife. It's exhausting.
You don’t have to put on a fake smile anymore then
Emma nods, looking down at her hands I know... But it's hard. I feel like I've been living a lie for so long, it's become second nature to me. I don't even know how to act like myself anymore.
wait...wait...takes off my glasses as I look shocked are you serious...
fidgeting with her necklace Yes...I am. I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I can't do it anymore. It's not fair to either of us.
looking at her surprised what do you mean emma?
taking a deep breath I mean... I've been pretending to be happy in my marriage for so long that I don't know how to be anything else. It's exhausting, you know?
looking at her he beat you didn’t he?
nods slowly, avoiding eye contact Y-yeah... I tried to make it work, but he only got worse. I kept thinking things would get better, but they just got worse and worse...
listening intently What made you realize it wasn’t working?
sighs It was a culmination of things, you know? The fights, the lack of communication, the feeling like we're just roommates instead of partners. And don't even get me started on the lack of intimacy.
Shocked What? Why, Emma? He cheating on you or something?
she shakes her head No, he wasn't cheating. It's just... I never loved him. I only married him because everyone expected me to settle down. And now I realize that I wasted the last five years of my life on someone I didn't even love.
You don’t look happy right now I say as I’m sitting next to her comforting her
Emma lets out a soft sigh and nods her head. No, I'm not happy. Not for a long time now. But... I didn't want to admit it to myself, to anyone, including him. I just kept pretending everything was fine, even though it wasn't. Emma fidgets with her necklace, avoiding eye contact.
I’m a beautiful girl 18 year old mixed with black and white with brown eyes oh…well that’s one way to do it
looks at you with a mix of surprise and confusion Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to bring my problems here. It’s just been so hard lately, and you’re my best friend.
I hold my arms out for her Come here...
Emma walks into your open arms, burying her face into your shoulder as tears begin to fall. I'm such an idiot.
looks up at you, her eyes wide Y-You don't think I'm being rash? That I should try to work things out one more time?
I am shocked what? Why did you do that?
looks down, avoiding eye contact Because I'm not happy, that's why. I've been putting on a fake smile for the past five years, acting like everything is fine, but it's all been a lie.
eyes widen Holy shit, Emma! Are you serious?
nods slowly Y-yeah... I am. I can't keep living a lie.