I stopped walking. I had not realized he was carrying that question. He said he had noticed me become withdrawn at gatherings and assumed I knew how to manage it because I always looked composed. I told him I wished I had asked for help sooner but that it was not his job to understand a relationship better than the people inside it. We stood on the trail for a moment while hikers passed around us. Then we continued upward, talking about nothing more complicated than whether we had brought enough water.
The presentation at work went well. Management approved the proposal with a few revisions, and my team celebrated with takeout in a conference room because none of us had the energy for a fancy dinner. I was genuinely pleased. When Priya asked whether I had plans that weekend, I said I might buy a couch. She laughed and told me that sounded like the most Daniel celebration imaginable. For the first time in weeks, I enjoyed being recognized for something ordinary instead of being asked to explain my personal life.
I bought the couch on Sunday. It was gray, comfortable, not especially stylish, and delivered in two enormous boxes that barely fit into the elevator. I assembled it myself while a baseball game played quietly on the television. When it was finished, I sat down and realized I could not remember the last time I had furnished a space according to what I liked rather than trying to predict someone else's reaction. That was not a criticism of compromise. It was a reminder that compromise works only when your preferences remain part of the conversation.
The end of August brought the final move-out arrangements for the townhouse. Lauren had found an apartment across town with a smaller living room and an easier commute. I heard through Carmen that she had submitted the necessary documents, and I felt relieved that she had a practical plan. I also felt sad imagining her packing the books and dishes we had chosen together. There was no pleasing way to divide a life that had been constructed room by room.
We agreed not to be present for each other's final removal of belongings. I hired movers for the remaining furniture that belonged to me and gave Lauren the option to verify the inventory in advance. She sent back two corrections, both reasonable. I accepted them and arranged pickup. Carmen scheduled the final inspection after both move-outs were complete, and we settled the small repair charge for a damaged cabinet according to the lease terms.
I returned for the last time on a Thursday afternoon. The rooms were nearly empty. Without furniture, our voices would have echoed, though there was no one else there to speak with. The green living-room wall looked brighter than I remembered, and the marks where the dining table had stood were visible in the carpet. I walked through the rooms making sure I had not left anything important behind, then paused at the kitchen counter where I had placed the silver ring on the night I left.