Zoro's POV
As I turned down our road I could hear her. I couldn't help but feel a sudden spurt of hatred for Nami at the fact that she wasn't trying to calm down Ryu. I ran up all the flights of stairs, adrenaline pulsing through my veins. I burst through the front door, slamming it shut behind me as I sprinted up the stairs in the apartment.
I found Ryu on the landing, practically screaming. I rushed over to her and pulled her into a hug. She buried her head into my chest her sobs continuing as I hugged her tighter.
It took me a while to realize, but between each sob came a muffled whisper. It was not until she had calmed down that I could make out what she was saying.
"Mummy," she mumbled her lip trembling.
That's right, I thought. Where had Nami been during this? Why hadn't she tried to calm Ryu down? Why hadn't she comforted her?
"Ryu?! Where's mummy," I asked.
She shook her head as more tears spilled from her eyes in a soft sob.
I picked her up and carried her downstairs to the kitchen, placing her on the counter. That was when I saw it.
A small white envelope with my name written on it. I poured Ryu a glass of warm milk before turning to the envelope. It was Nami's handwriting, no doubt about it. I tore open the envelope and slowly unfolded the letter.
'Zoro,
The past four years with you, and past three with Ryu have been the best years of my life. Loving you, loving Ryu was all I could ever ask for; knowing that the both of you love me back made me feel alive.
But I can't do this anymore. The fights, the feeling of guilt and worthlessness meant that days like this one were fleeting. That's not what I want for Ryu or for you. I knew that you were going to propose today; that's the reason for leaving so suddenly. I can't be a good mother to Ryu or a good wife to you. But I know that you can be a good father to Ryu.
I'm sorry,
Nami '
I slipped my hand into the pocket of my jacket where I had stashed the ring, my fingers closing around the box. I pulled it out of my pocket, opened the box and placed it on the counter. I bowed my head, clenching my eyes shut. I couldn't let Ryu see me cry.
"Daddy?!" she said. "What's wrong?"
I lifted my head turning to her, my heart stung as did my eyes but I was still able to smile and say, "Nothing's wrong Sunshine."