It was the first time I’d seen him not defensive, not dismissive, but genuinely remorseful. We talked—honestly, quietly, and without excuses. For the first time in months, I felt like we were two people facing a crossroads rather than two people on opposite sides of a wall.
In the weeks that followed, we didn’t magically return to normal. Instead, we rebuilt slowly, with counseling, long conversations, and a renewed commitment to honesty. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t smooth, but it was intentional.
