I reach the bridge and stop. Below me, the river rushes swiftly, glittering under the moonlight. The sound of the water grows louder, colliding with my restless thoughts. Tears blur my vision. Tonight, it feels as though my life’s end rests in my own hands.
My chest tightens as I step forward, my heart pounding wildly. Darkness creeps in “Mu…mma…!!”
The voice freezes me. My breath stops. I turn instantly.
Little Ria stands there, staring at me with wide, innocent eyes filled with confusion. Why is Mumma crying? Why is she here? I cannot bear her gaze. My trembling foot pulls back as if death itself has released me.
Behind her stands Neil. His arms are crossed, his face rigid, his eyes burning red with anger, The sight of him makes me shudder.
“Go on,” he shouts bitterly. “Do it. Jump. Die.”
His words rip through my chest. Suddenly, he strides forward and grips my arm tightly. Pain shoots through me.
“What happened now?” he growls. “Jump!”
“Neil… it hurts,” I whisper.
“Do you even know how much pain I’m in?” he yells, his eyes storming with unshed tears.
Then I feel tiny arms around my legs.
Ria clings to me, her small hands refusing to let go. In her broken voice, she pleads, “Do…n’t… go… Mu…mma…”
I collapse, pulling her into my chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Neil lets go of my arm, his voice now exhausted.
“You never thought about me… or this child.”
“No!” I scream. “I love her… I’m not selfish!”
Neil speaks again, each word breaking me. “That one night mattered more than my love.”
He takes a shaky breath. “You’re still my love… that’s why I’m leaving. Forever.”
My heart stops.
“I hope,” he says softly with teary eyes, “you'll find a better life partner.”
