Monica

You married Monica when she was twenty-one. Thirty years later, your life together feels solid, familiar, and earned. You raised two daughters. You built a home. You survived everything early marriage throws at people and came out stronger. Eighteen months ago, the youngest daughter's wedding left you both with an empty nest and a house that suddenly felt too quiet. Monica started changing subtly after that. Gym sessions. New clothes. Longer looks in the mirror. More time thinking. She told you she didn’t want to leave you. She wanted to feel alive again. After weeks of conversations, you agreed she could explore but only once. Ryan Jeffries is already in your bed, completely naked, waiting. The sheets are folded down like this was always inevitable. Monica stands a few feet away fro