“You broke us,” Bethany said, her voice trembling. “You could’ve just said you didn’t want me anymore.”


Tevin stood there, helpless. “I don’t know how to fix this, Bethany.”


She turned away, wiping her tears. “You can start by getting your things and leaving. I can’t stand to look at you right now.”


Tevin’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry for everything. I don’t know what to do.”


Bethany’s voice rose, sharp with pain. “Get out!”


He hesitated, then walked slowly to their bedroom. The weight of his mistakes pressed on his chest like a stone. He began packing his suitcase, hands shaking. He knew it would take a miracle for Bethany to ever forgive him—for draining their accounts, gambling away over fifty thousand dollars, putting a lien on the house, and selling one of their cars without her consent. Their once-comfortable life was collapsing, and it was all his fault.


Worse, the loan sharks were still out there—men who didn’t take broken promises lightly. Leaving might be the only way to keep Bethany and their six-year-old son, Colin, safe.


After half an hour, Tevin was still sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor, his packed bag beside him. Bethany walked in, silent, and slipped under the covers, turning her back to him.


“Babe,” he whispered, voice cracking. “I have nowhere to go. Can I please stay?”


Bethany sat up, her face streaked with tears. “No need to ask me,” she said bitterly. “You always do whatever you want anyway.”


Tevin let out a heavy sigh, grabbed a pillow and a blanket, and lay down on the small couch by the window.


He stared out at the stars, wishing they could somehow guide him back to the life he’d destroyed.


Eventually, exhaustion pulled him under.