Part 2/9:
“Hey, the girls invited me to this party tonight,” she announced. He chuckled, initially hoping it was a joke, unaware that her casual announcement would shatter his composure. Lorraine's words stung; this wasn’t the first time she opted for social outings over their intimate plans. The signs had been there, but he had chosen to look the other way.
The Internal Struggle
As Lorraine grabbed her keys and prepared to leave, an internal battle erupted within him. Was he simply being overdramatic? Was he a fool for waiting while she drifted away night after night? Exhaustion enveloped him, a pressing weight he couldn't easily shake off. The moment Lorraine walked out the door, he felt an emptiness settle in, symbolized by the untouched popcorn and paused movie.