At the End of Love

“I couldn’t protect the baby. I’m sorry.”
Water dripped soundlessly to the floor, one drop after another, from the ends of her wet hair. He let out a long, heavy sigh.
“You can have another child.”
“…Right. Of course.”
She bit the inside of her cheek hard. She hadn’t expected him to offer her any comfort. In fact, she hadn’t even hoped to hear him ask if she was all right. And yet—why? Why did her throat feel so tight?
As she tucked her damp hair behind her ear to avoid his gaze, he stepped closer.
The air changed in an instant. She could feel it, so she took a step back, only for him to raise his eyebrows slightly.
“You should rest first.”
She turned away, desperate to escape the sudden tension. But his hand closed around her wrist.
“Where are you going?”
“I just need some water…”
His eyes, heavy with unspoken meaning, lingered on her face. Avoiding his gaze, she looked down at his hand gripping her wrist.
“Lie down.”
“You must be tired…”
His palm burned hot against her skin, but his voice was chillingly cold. She couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye.
“It’s fine. Take off your clothes and lie down.”
“…”
“Now lie down.”
She swallowed hard. There was no mistaking it, he had no intention of letting her go.