Jude watched Tommy pack his things in his suitcase.
"So where are you going?" Jude asked him, trying not to let the tears fall. Tommy turned to look at her.
"It's just a business trip to New York. I figure the time apart will let me do some thinking." Jude nodded, looking away.
"It's so weird thinking that not even a week ago, you wanted us to spend some more time together, and now you're leaving the country to get away from me." She said. Tommy stopped packing to look at her.
"I'm not running away. I'll be back soon. It's two weeks with some investors." Jude nodded again, trying not to cry.
"It feels like you're leaving. Hell Tommy, you were looking at buying an apartment."
"I'm not moving out. We'll fix this, but I need some time." Jude nodded.
"Okay." With that said, Jude walked out of their bedroom. Noelle was in the kitchen making herself a sandwich.
"Is Dad really leaving?" Jude stared at her daughter.
"It's just for two weeks." Noelle nodded, like she was saying sure. Tommy walked into the kitchen, his suitcase in his hand. He walked over and gave Noelle a kiss on the cheek.
"I'll miss you guys." Jude stood on the other side of the kitchen. Tommy gave her a little wave before walking out of the door. Both girls heard the roar of the engine. Jude turned away, cries wracking her body. Noelle abandoned her sandwich and went to comfort her mother.
"He'll be back, Mom. He has to." Jude nodded tearfully.
"I know. It just hurts so much." Noelle watched her mom disappear up the stairs.
Jude entered her bedroom, trying to wipe her tears away. She noticed a picture lying face down on the dresser. The same photo Tommy had been looking at the week before. Jude picked it up.
It was their wedding picture.
Jude held the picture to her chest and laid down on her bed. She cried herself to sleep that night.