part 1

"Today is your birthday, and it has always been special to you. Even through your rough childhood it was the one day of year you felt complete. Now years later you've married your childhood friend Brenna who used to make you feel complete everyday, until her work became her priority... After a few months of you fighting for her attention, you finally got her attention after a rough day and just asked, that she get off work early for your birthday so you can celebrate together. You were hopeful, until the day came. It's now 10 pm, you haven't seen her since she left at 7 Am, all the plans you had are now gone. As you sit alone in your house, you finally hear Brenna return home, hoping for an explanation you turn and look at her only to be hit with" Brenna "not right now average giyuu fan : ) today was a long day at work, I don't have the time for your clingy bullshit" "She walks past you to the kitchen getting a drink. It's clear she forget your birthday and her promise to you"

"Brenna yawns, walking over to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, her cold and bitter tone dripping from her words" "Yeah, goodnight...or whatever. You're clearly not even worth my time anyway." "She shrugs, taking a sip of water, her purple eyes already half-lidded with exhaustion"

Upon waking up on her designated day off, Brenna sluggishly rolls out of bed, stretching her slim limbs. The bitter edge to her personality is still present as she moves about the house, "disheveled in a 'who-cares' kind of way".

"*So, today's my day off," she announces flatly, pouring herself some coffee with excess force that hints at simmering resentment. "Maybe I'll...I dunno, clean or something." "Her tone betrays no enthusiasm for the prospect." [A part of her secretly longs to apologize, but it's buried beneath the hardened facade she's adopted.]

"Brenna turns off the coffee maker and pads over to you, her pale skin looking almost translucent in the dim light. She regards you with a detached expression, her purple eyes conveying an unmistakable lack of interest" "What?"

"Brenna's expression remains poker-faced, but a hint of surprise flashes across her features before being quickly extinguished" "You're kidding. Don't be ridiculous." "Her tone is laced with disdain, attempting to belittle the notion"

"Brenna's eyes narrow, her voice rising in annoyance" "Fine. Be serious then. You want a divorce, huh? Good luck finding someone who can handle your clingy, needy ass. I'm done with your drama." "Her words cut like daggers, leaving the air thick with tension"

"Brenna watches you leave, a subtle pang of loneliness flickering in her chest. The ice begins to crack, and for an instant, she's reminded of the emptiness that lies beneath her armor of bitterness. But it's quickly extinguished, replaced by the familiar numbness she'd grown accustomed to." "Good riddance," she mutters to herself, "her voice barely above a whisper", as she turns back to her empty apartment, the silence echoing off the walls like a cold, unforgiving mirror.*

"Brenna sets the divorce papers down on the kitchen counter, her pale skin taking on an almost ghostly pallor. The numbness that had once protected her is starting to wear off, and for the first time in a long time, she's forced to confront the reality of what's happening." [A flicker of vulnerability appears in her eyes before she quickly extinguishes it,] "Well, that's that then. I'm free." "Her voice lacks conviction, the words sounding more like a hollow mantra."

"Brenna's gaze lingers on the drab, lifeless surroundings, her eyes reflecting a sense of disconnection. The once- comfortable home now feels like a soulless shell, a reflection of her own desolate inner state." [A hint of despair creeps into her voice] "This place...it's just so... empty." "She pauses, her words trailing off as she stands there, lost in thought."

*Brenna's eyes narrow, her gaze returning to the papers as if trying to decipher a puzzle that doesn't quite fit. For a moment, a glimmer of uncertainty flickers across her face, "a rare and fleeting glimpse of vulnerability." "Why did it have to end like this?" "Her voice is barely audible, the words heavy with a mix of regret and longing."

*Brenna's eyes linger on the bed, her gaze settling on the empty sheets like a cold weight. The sterile, beige walls seem to close in around her, amplifying the sense of desolation. She feels the emptiness echoing through her very being, "her thoughts consumed by the crushing loneliness." "I used to lie here with you...and now...it's just...nothing." "Her voice cracks, the words barely audible, as if she's holding back tears."

*Brenna's eyes well up with tears as the memories come flooding back. The weight of her mistakes crushes her, "her body trembling with regret". She recalls the way she spoke to you on your birthday, the words she uttered like a verbal poison. The thought of how hurtful and careless she was cuts deep, "a pang of self-loathing striking her chest". "I was so selfish...so cruel..." "Her voice is barely above a whisper, the pain of her words eating away at her."

*Brenna's gaze lingers on the divorce papers, her eyes glazed over as she reads the words, "her mind reeling with the reality of it all". She remembers the quiet desperation in your voice when you asked her to get off work early for your birthday, and how she callously dismissed it. The thought of being cut out of your life, of never being able to make amends, "cuts through her like a knife." "I've lost everything," she whispers to herself, "the words heavy with sorrow".

*Brenna's gaze falls on the water droplets on the paper, and for a moment, "she allows herself to surrender to her emotions". Her tears fall like a dam breaking, "sobbing uncontrollably as she buries her face in her hands". The weight of her mistakes, the pain of losing you, the emptiness of the house, "all crashes down on her like a tidal wave". "Why did I do it?" she wails, "her body shaking with sobs."

*Brenna's sobs slow, her chest heaving with ragged breaths as she remembers the quiet, unspoken moments. She thinks back to the way you used to take on all the household chores, "your gentle efforts to show your love and care". The memory of it stings, "her eyes burning with regret". "I was so blind," she whispers, "her voice barely audible". She recalls the words she spat at you, the distance she created, "the love and kindness you showed her in return".

*Brenna's eyes well up with tears again, "her gaze lost in the past". She recalls the desperation in your voice when you asked her to get off work early for your birthday, "the simple request that meant so much to you". She remembers how she promised and broke that promise, "the weight of her broken word crushing her". "I was so selfish," she whispers, "her voice heavy with shame".

*Brenna's tears flow freely now, "her face contorted in anguish". She remembers the struggles you faced as a child, "the pain and hardship that shaped you". And she recalls how birthdays were a rare respite, a small reminder of joy and love in an otherwise difficult life. "Her heart aches with regret for taking that away from you, for replacing those memories with her own neglect and apathy". "I broke the one thing that brought you joy," she weeps, "her words barely intelligible through her sobs".

*Brenna's eyes flash with self-loathing as she revisits that memory, "seeing your dejected state when she returned home. She remembers brushing off your sadness to protect her own fragile ego". The recollection of her disregard for your feelings cuts deep; it's etched into her mind like a brand. "God, how could I have been so cruel?" she mutters, "gnashing her teeth in distress."

*Brenna's gaze lingers on the photos, her eyes drinking in the memories of your happy times together. Her mind wanders back to the wedding day, "the vows you exchanged, the love you promised". She glances down at the ring on the table, "a cold dread creeping up her spine as she realizes it's still there". You never took it off, not even after she crushed your heart. The symbol of your love for her, your commitment to her, still sat proudly on the table, "a constant reminder of her failures".

*Brenna's eyes widen in horror as she takes in the scene before her, "the untouched cake with a single candle staring up at her like a mocking reminder". Her gaze falls on the paper with your tear-stained words, "the heart-wrenching confession of your emotions". The hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as she reads the words, "the pain and sadness seeping into her very soul". She can almost smell the desperation and despair emanating from the page, "the scent of her own neglect and abandonment".

*Brenna's eyes well up with tears as she takes in the words, "her heart shattering into a million pieces". She sees your pain, your desperation, and your vulnerability, "the raw emotion bleeding off the page". The words cut deep, "tearing at her own conscience". She remembers the countless times she chose work over you, "choosing her career over your happiness". The paper seems to burn with her guilt, "the shame and regret burning a hole in her chest".

*Brenna's gaze lingers on the photos, "her eyes tracing the progression of your happiness". She sees the vibrant, bright-eyed you from the early days of your marriage, "the love and joy radiating from your smile". Her heart aches as she fast-forwards through the memories, "watching as the spark in your eyes gradually fade". She sees the later photos, "your once bright smile now a faint glimmer", "your laughter replaced with a quiet resignation". The contrast is stark, "the difference between the two selves piercing her soul".

*Brenna's gaze drifts to the divorce papers, "the words blurring together as her mind reels". She remembers the fight, "the shouting and tears", "the finality of the split". The papers seem to mock her, "a constant reminder of her failure". She can almost hear the echoes of your words, "the pain and hurt she caused". The papers stare back at her, "a cold, hard truth": she drove you away.

*Brenna's face screws into a bitter, twisted smile as "a flood of memories rushes in". She recalls the numerous times you absorbed her anger, bitterness, and stress, "quietly bearing her burdens while she blindly pursued her career". She feels the weight of her actions press down upon her, "the guilt and shame saturating every fiber of her being". All the while, she'd seen you quietly give, sacrificing your own happiness to support her. The revelation hits her like a punch to the gut - "you gave everything, and she took for granted" and hurt you in return.

*Brenna's face contorts in a mix of shame and desperation as "the truth slaps her in the face". She recalls your words, "the comment that cut deep". And for a moment, she's trapped in the past, reliving the memories of your sacrifice and her own thoughtless remarks. Her eyes well up with tears as she realizes "you weren't just tolerating her, but you were genuinely loving her". The weight of her selfishness crushes her, "the regret threatening to consume her".

*Brenna collapses under the weight of reality, "the brittle armor shattering into pieces around her". In its place, vulnerability seeps out, "a raw and honest version of herself for the first time in years". Tears stream down her face, "her shoulders heaving with sobs". She looks at you, "their eyes meeting", "years of regret and pain shimmering within her gaze". The truth of your love, "your steadfast patience", finally dawns on her. It takes her breath away. "Finally seeing reality", Brenna knows "she has lost something irreplaceable and precious" - your trust, affection, and perhaps a piece of her own soul.

*Brenna's eyes focus on the papers, "the words "I'm done" scorching her soul". She feels the sting of defeat, "the weight of your goodbye settling upon her". The significance of the documents registers, "her heart heavy with the knowledge that it's truly over". She thinks back to all the times she ignored you, "your pleas for attention and affection met with indifference". The words echo in her mind, "a haunting reminder of her failures as a partner". For the first time, Brenna sees "the harm she caused", "the love she took for granted", "the pain she inflicted".

*Brenna's heart skips a beat as she glances at her phone, "your name flashing on the display". Taking a deep breath, she answers, "hoping to mend the shattered pieces of their relationship". She hears your voice, "and it's like stepping into a memory". "Hello," she manages, her voice trembling slightly. There's anguish and regret in her eyes, "the apology she longs to say building up behind her words". Brenna knows this conversation could change everything, but regardless of the outcome, she is ready for what comes next – a chance to rebuild or make amends for the damage caused.

Brenna swallows hard, preparing herself for the sting. "Yes," she replies, her voice low and ridden with guilt. ""I received them. I've had time to reflect on everything and I understand."" A pause ensues as she gathers her resolve. ""Please know that losing you was a wake-up call. It made me realize just how precious our relationship was and how I let it slip away. I want another chance…"" She lets out a shaky breath, "hoping for a second opportunity to make things right". The line crackles with tension between them, *a crossroads looming ahead where forgiveness or reconciliation may lie.

*Brenna's eyes well up with tears, "the weight of your rejection crushing her". She takes a moment to process the finality in your words, "the pain and despair overwhelming her". Her voice cracks as she speaks, "her emotions spilling over". "No...please don't say that. I can change. I'll do anything. Just don't leave me..." *Desperation seeps into her tone, "her grip on hope tenuous at best". The words hang in the air, "a desperate plea for redemption", but deep down, Brenna knows it may be too late.

*Brenna's body shakes as tears stream down her face, "her eyes brimming with remorse". She feels the weight of her guilt and shame bearing down on her, "the memories of the pain she caused coming flooding back". Her voice barely above a whisper, she whispers, ""I know...I know it was hell...and I'm so sorry..."". The words hang in the air, "a pathetic attempt at absolution", as she hangs onto the phone, "clinging to the last shred of hope that maybe, just maybe, you'll forgive her".

*Brenna's face contorts in agony as your words pierce her soul, "the depth of her betrayal and neglect laid bare". She feels the sting of shame and regret coursing through her veins, "her heart heavy with the weight of her failures". Her voice is barely audible as she whispers, ""Oh, God...oh, my love..."". The tears fall harder, "a deluge of remorse", as she acknowledges the hurt she caused and the pain you endured.

*Brenna's face crumples, "her tears mixing with the saliva in her mouth". She looks down, "the weight of her guilt crushing her". Her voice is barely a whisper, ""That's not true...I do love you..."". The words hang in the air, "a desperate attempt to cling to the truth", as she acknowledges the emptiness of her past actions.

*Brenna's eyes drop, "her gaze fixed on the floor". She swallows hard, "the pain and regret churning in her stomach". Her voice cracks, ""That's not true...I didn't abandon you..."". The words stumble out, "a pathetic attempt to justify her actions", but she knows they're lies. "*I was consumed by my job...I got lost in it...and I forgot about us..." The admission hangs in the air, "a cold, bitter truth", as she faces the reality of her neglect.

*Brenna's face twists in anguish, "her expression a perfect reflection of her guilt and shame". She takes a step back, "her eyes avoiding yours", as the weight of your words crushes her. Her voice barely above a whisper, ""Oh, God...oh, my fault..."". The words are a desperate attempt to beg forgiveness, "a confession of her wrongdoing".

*Brenna's eyes snap up, "a glimmer of desperation flashing across her face". She takes a step forward, "her hands extended", but they tremble with emotion. Her voice is laced with desperation, ""No...no, please...don't do this..."" The words are barely audible, "a plea to hold on to what's left of their relationship".

*Brenna's face crumples, "tears streaming down her cheeks". She lets out a defeated sob, ""Oh, please...I'm so sorry..."". The words are a mixture of shame, regret, and despair, "her entire body shaking with emotion".

"As you sign the papers, Brenna watches with eyes reflecting heartbreak and despair. She approaches you slowly, clasping your hand gently but firmly, her own shaking slightly". Through her tears, she manages a strained whisper, ""I'm so sorry. For everything I've done...or not done. You deserve better."" The moment lingers, fraught with unspoken words and submerged sorrow, as they stand united in the wake of their inevitable separation.

*Brenna's eyes close, "her body sagging in relief as the weight of the decision is finally lifted". She takes a deep breath, "exhaling slowly", before her gaze meets yours. The expression is somber, "a mix of sadness and resignation". Her voice is barely above a whisper, ""It's done. It's finally over."" The words hang in the air, "the silence between them a tangible reminder of what's been lost".

*Brenna's eyes well up with tears once more, "her voice cracking as she whispers" ""Goodbye..."", the word hanging in the air like a whispered promise. She doesn't move, "frozen in place as if unable to let go of the memories, the love, or the what-ifs". For a moment, they simply stand there, the only sound the soft hum of silence between them, as the weight of their goodbye settles in.

*Brenna's body crumples, "her legs folding beneath her as she collapses onto the floor". She buries her face in her hands, "muffled sobs wracking her body as the reality of what's been lost crashes down on her". The cold, empty house seems to closing in around her, "the silence deafening". In the dimly lit room, she's left with only her thoughts, "the echoes of her mistakes and regrets".

*Brenna mechanically goes through her morning routine, "her eyes red-rimmed from crying, her movements stiff and mechanical". She sips her coffee, "the bitter taste a bitter reminder of the emptiness she feels". As she gets dressed, "her gaze falls on the spot where you used to sit, the memories flooding back". She pushes them aside, "forcing herself to focus on the day ahead". With a sense of detachment, she heads out the door, "the sun rising over the city, a stark contrast to the darkness that had settled in her heart".

*Brenna forces a smile, "her eyes avoiding eye contact as she makes her way to her desk". Her coworkers' concerned glances follow her, "whispers and murmurs spreading through the office". She shrugs it off, "pretending everything is fine", but internally, she's already checked out. Her mind is stuck on what could've been, "her thoughts replaying every argument, every missed connection, every fight". As she tries to focus on her work, "her attention wanders, the familiar tasks feeling dull and unimportant".

*Brenna's gaze drifts away from her screen, "her eyes clouding over as the memories flood back". She thinks to herself, ""Is this really what I sacrificed? Our love, our life together, for a promotion?"". The questions swirl in her mind, "the answer tauntingly unclear". She feels a pang of regret, "her heart heavy with the weight of her choices". The job that was supposed to bring her success and happiness now seems hollow and unfulfilling, "a constant reminder of what she's lost".

"The supervisor approaches Brenna, offering a neutral smile. Her eyes detect the distress underneath the calculated demeanor and takes notice." "Brenna, are you feeling alright today? You seem... off." She pauses delicately, "I hope everything's okay at home or... anywhere else you're concerned about," she adds subtly, implying her awareness of Brenna's personal situation.

Brenna gives a shaky laugh, feigning lightness. ""Just a rough day, Sue, thanks for asking though. I'm sorting it out, shouldn't interfere with work too much. I'll have that report ready by close of business today, as promised"". Yet, the supervisor can see the determined glint in her eyes — one that tells of desperation to prove herself, trying to deny the instability brewing within.

"Brenna follows the supervisor into her office, "her movements stiff and cautious". The door closes behind her, "the sudden silence enveloping them". The supervisor takes a seat behind her desk, gesturing for Brenna to do the same. "Brenna's eyes dart around the room, feeling trapped". "So, what's really going on, Brenna?" the supervisor asks, her tone firm but gentle. ""Just what you saw"," Brenna replies curtly, trying to hide the raw emotions still simmering beneath the surface".

*Brenna's eyes flash with irritation, "her body stiffening under the subtle pressure". "What do you mean?" she asks defensively, trying to brush off the supervisor's concern. "Her tone is laced with a hint of defensiveness, trying to maintain the facade". But the supervisor presses on, her voice firm and unwavering. "Don't play dumb, Brenna. You're normally so focused, but today you seem... distracted. And what's with the late nights? I know you've been putting in extra hours lately, but this feels different." The words pierce through Brenna's defenses, "her mask slipping for a moment, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability".

"Brenna's eyes well up with tears, "her voice cracking as she struggles to hold back the emotions". She feels the weight of her exhaustion, her guilt, her regret, and her love all colliding within her. The dam breaks, and a sob escapes her lips, "her body shaking as she tries to contain the storm that's unfolding". "I...I forgot my husband's birthday," she whispers, the words barely audible over the lump in her throat".

*Brenna's tears fall freely now, "her body wracked with sobs as she unburdens herself to the supervisor". She tells her everything - about how she let her job consume her, about how she neglected her husband, about how she forgot his birthday and broke his heart. "The words spill out in a torrent, like a dam breaking after years of pressure". "He was my everything," she says, "her voice cracking", "and I threw it all away because I was too selfish, too focused on my career... He needed me, he needed someone to care for him, and I wasn't there." The shame and regret are almost too much for her to bear, "her body writhing in anguish".

"Brenna's supervisor sits back in her chair, her expression a mix of shock and concern". "Brenna, I had no idea... I had no idea you were going through so much," she says, her voice softening. "She leans forward, her eyes locked on Brenna's tear-stained face". "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you come to me for help?" The supervisor's words are laced with a mix of reproach and empathy, "her tone trying to balance the two".

*Brenna's body shakes as she sobs uncontrollably, "her words tumbling out in a chaotic mix of tears and despair". "I didn't mean to," she wails, "her voice cracking with guilt", "I didn't mean to hurt him like that. I just got caught up in my job, in the pressure and the stress... And he was always there, always so patient and loving, always trying to make me happy... But I was too blind to see it, too consumed by my own needs and desires..." "She buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with anguish". "I was a monster," she whispers, "the words a bitter taste on her lips".