"I have missed going out with you" confessed Therese as she carefully stepped over a crooked tile on the pavement. Cars going past her, their noise blending into the background.

"I've missed you too, but you know how hard it is to find time between studies and my new job" Richard said with a small smile.

"No. I mean, I'm happy we're out now, and I know it's hard for you to find time. But that's the problem—you never seem to make time for me. You always have to 'find' it, as if I'm tenth on your priority list. And it's not like I don't see you at home, but it feels like you only put in effort when it's convenient for you."

"God, Therese, why do you always have to spoil the mood like this? Huh? What's wrong with you?" Richard snapped, his voice rising. "I work hard to make a better future for us! And what am I doing now? I'm taking you out, aren't I?"

"Yes, but—"

"But what?" he interrupted, now shouting. "You're so selfish, Therese. You take and take and expect even more without giving anything in return."

In that moment, she wished she could disappear. Why did she even say anything? She knew he never cared enough to listen. "I'm sorry, Richard," she murmured, her voice low, tears gathering in her throat and stealing her ability to speak.

"It's all right, Terry" Richard said, not even looking at her.

Finally, they arrived at the Italian restaurant. It was loud despite the lack of many patrons. A few families with children occupied some tables, the kids screaming while chaotic sounds of clattering dishes and a woman yelling emerged from the kitchen. Therese wanted to escape this space.

Just as she resolved to excuse herself to the restroom for a moment of peace, Richard started talking.

"Look, Terry, I know I haven't spent much time with you lately, and I'm sorry for that" His tone surprised her, softer than expected. "But I think I've found a way to make it up to you."

He paused, his excitement visible, like a five-year-old on Christmas morning. After a few moments of suspense, he announced, "I bought us boat tickets to Europe!"

Therese froze. A trip to Europe had always been her dream. She'd often imagined herself sipping coffee in a cozy corner café, wandering through art galleries, and marveling at historic buildings she'd only seen in movies. Yet now, the thought of going felt unsettling.

"Well, what do you think? Aren't you excited?"

"Of course I am," Therese replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. But Richard didn't seem to notice this.

"Great! We'll visit England, France, and Spain if we have time. I've got it all planned out, Terry" he said, brimming with enthusiasm.

"That's great. I can't wait" she said, this time trying to sound more convincing.

"But that's not all" he continued, setting down his knife and fork. "I need to go ahead first for a few weeks. There's a chance for us to live rent-free if I can convince a Paris art gallery to invest in my work"

Therese was taken aback. "When are you leaving?" she asked, trying to sound engaged.

Richard squinted at her, his expression shifting to one of hurt suspicion. "Truth be told, I thought you'd be sad about me leaving."

"I am sad" she lied, avoiding his gaze. In truth, she felt relieved. For the first time in ages, she could breathe. "I'll just go to the restroom, if that's okay."

"Of course" he said, his tone laced with annoyance he didn't bother to hide. "I'll wait"

Therese stood and walked away, her steps unsteady. Everything felt surreal, as though the world was shifting around her. Somehow, she reached the bathroom. Opening the door, she was greeted by her own reflection in the mirror: a girl with messy hair, pale skin, and eyes full of conflicting emotions. She stood by the sink, staring at herself for several minutes.

Tears welled up again. She couldn't untangle her feelings. Relief. Sadness. A flicker of hope. She thought about the quiet that would envelop her home once Richard was gone. She'd throw open the bedroom windows and let snowflakes drift onto her pillow. Maybe she'd invite a stranger over, sip tea on the windowsill, and watch children build a snowman outside. The trip to Europe hardly crossed her mind; she didn't want to think about it.

She lifted her eyes to meet her own gaze in the mirror, but they wandered instead to the bathroom door as it swung open. For a brief moment, she caught a glimpse of a silhouette—a woman passing by. She didn't see much: no distinct hair or clothing, just the lingering scent of perfume. It was familiar, though she couldn't place where she'd encountered it before.

"It's nice," she thought to herself as the fragrance wrapped around her, offering an inexplicable comfort.