Walking back to her room, Julie closed the door behind her slowly, the soft click echoing louder than it should in the quiet space.
For a moment, she just stood there.
Then her strength gave in.
Her back slid down against the door until she sank to the floor, her body folding into itself as she sat there, still and silent.
The room felt too quiet.
Her eyes slowly grew glassy, the tears gathering before she could stop them. One slipped free, rolling gently down her cheek.
"Hm…" she sniffed softly, lifting a hand to wipe her face, her lips dry as she pressed them together.
She lowered her gaze, her fingers curling slightly against her dress.
"I'll stay strong…" she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to steady it. "I'll wait for you… so please… don't let me down, hubby…"
Another tear followed, then another, falling quietly as she sat there alone.
There were no loud sobs.
No breakdown.
Just a quiet ache that filled the room.
---
