It’s likely erroneous pattern recognition or wishful thinking, but I can see the joy fade from her eyes over time. The pictures become less frequent, the smiles become more forced (don’t get me wrong, she knows how to perform pleasure well, but I can tell the difference).

It’s clear she loved me, but I get the feeling she liked me less and less. And who could blame her? The exhaustion, the heartache, the distance, the beratement, it can only go on so long.

I can only hope I didn’t crush her spirit completely, and I’m not arrogant enough to think I could. There will be more joy in her life beyond me, hopefully to greater heights than we could have ever achieved together.