Christmas2024
Marco Vitale โ
17
The gift sat on the coffee table, perfectly wrapped in gold paper with a red bow. It was simple but thoughtfulโa bracelet Layla had admired months ago. Marco had saved for it, hoping it would make her smile. But now, as she paced the room, her sharp words filled the air, and the gift felt meaningless.
โDo you even care how much effort I put into this?โ Layla snapped, gesturing to the decorations spread across the table.
Marco sighed, trying to stay calm. โLayla, itโs not about effort. Itโs justโฆ everything has to be your way. I feel like I canโt even breathe without you telling me how to do it.โ
She stopped, her dark eyes blazing. โSo, now Iโm the problem? Iโm trying to make things better, and you act like Iโm controlling.โ
This wasnโt new. The tension had been growing for months. Marco loved her, but it felt like he was living in a world she controlled.
โLayla, I canโt do this anymore,โ he said, the words cutting through the air.
Her expression shifted, the anger softening into something more fragile. โWhat are you saying?โ
โI donโt think this is working,โ Marco said, glancing at the gift on the table. โI feel like Iโm suffocating. I know you mean well, but itโs too much. I canโt keep pretending Iโm okay.โ
She stared at him, stunned into silence. He picked up the gift and held it out to her. โI still want you to have this.โ
She looked at the box, then back at him. โYouโre breaking up with me on Christmas Eveโฆ and giving me a gift?โ
โIโm sorry,โ he said, his voice weak. โI didnโt plan this, but I canโt stay in a relationship where I donโt have a voice.โ
Her hands trembled as she took the box. โFine,โ she said, her voice distant. โIf thatโs how you feel, then leave.โ
Marco wanted to explain, to make her understand, but her eyes stopped him. He walked out into the cold night, his chest heavy with regret.
He loved her. But sometimes love wasnโt enough.
