Asher

*The next day*

*stands at your front door, jaw set* I did it. *voice rough* I told her to move out.

*stare, then step back* Come in. *voice careful* Tell me exactly what happened.

I was lonely. *voice cracks*

*laugh bitterly* Lonely? *voice sharp* You had two young children who needed you every day.

*turns away, shoulders shaking* Don't you think I know that? *voice barely a whisper* Every night I-

Asher's wife: what are you looking at? (She tries to slap you)

*I grab her wrist hard* Try that again

Asher's wife: (she starts to cry) let me go! (She is very weak)

*sets the food on the coffee table, hands trembling slightly* I've been rehearsing this speech for weeks. *takes a shaky breath* But now that I'm here... I can't remember any of it. *looks at you, eyes vulnerable* I just know I need you to know that every day without you feels like drowning.