The Winter I Stopped Waiting

Synopsis

I texted Tristan ten times on Christmas Eve. Every single one was left on read. Then I saw the Facebook feed of that girl "friend" of his, and there he was, right in the middle of the photos. She wrote: [Wow, midnight hits, and he's already handing me a gift with its own little box and bow. This guy literally spoils me like a child. Not gonna get all sappy but like... Best friends for life, Tristan!] A minute later, a comment from him popped up: [You've always been a kid.] I scrolled through their back-and-forth, and suddenly it all felt so meaningless. I didn't throw a fit like I used to. I texted him calmly. I said: [Bella and I are heading to bed. No need to rush back.] After that night, I stopped asking about his life and stopped making meals I didn't even like just because he was picky. And I no longer begged him to show up for family night with our daughter. He thought I was playing games to get his attention. Then one day, his "friend" mentioned the guest room felt too cold, too empty. I, being the considerate one, offered her our bedroom without hesitating. That was when he finally sensed something was off. "Her place has a leak," he explained. "She's leaving first thing tomorrow. "How about we take Bella to Disneyland? "I'll spend more time with you and Bella. I mean it." I smiled, but didn't say a word. In my life from now on, there was no room for him.