The Truth About Eric’s “Space”
Eric and I had been together for **12 years**—solid, steady, and, I thought, happy. That’s why when he suddenly said, *“I need space,”* it felt like my entire world tilted sideways.
*”Space?”* I repeated, my stomach knotting.
*”Just for a little while,”* he said, throwing some clothes into a bag. *”I’ll sleep in my car. I need time to clear my mind.”*
It didn’t make sense. **A man with a loving wife, a comfortable home, and a king-sized bed chooses to sleep in his car?** Something was off.
For ten nights, he left after dinner and returned in the morning, looking exhausted. His eyes were red, his face drawn. I caught him sneaking out with his pillow one night, which only **amplified my suspicion.**
Was he **cheating on me?**
I tried to reason with myself. Maybe he was just going through something. But my gut told me otherwise. By the **tenth night**, I couldn’t take it anymore.
I followed him.
### **A Shocking Discovery**
At first, he just sat there, staring ahead.
*”Waiting for her,”* I thought bitterly.
But then, instead of a woman **getting into the car**, Eric **got out**.
I crept closer, my heart racing. What was he doing? Meeting someone? Was she late?
Then, I saw **what he pulled out of his trunk.**
A **tiny, shivering dog.**
### **The Secret He Kept From Me**
Eric sat on the cold ground, cradling the frail little creature in his arms. The dog—a puppy, barely skin and bones—wagged its tail weakly, pressing its tiny head into his chest.
I covered my mouth.
He wasn’t cheating on me. He was **taking care of this dog.**
Eric reached into his bag and pulled out **a small container of food** and **a blanket**. He fed the puppy gently, talking to it in a low voice I could barely hear.
*”We’ll get you strong, buddy. Just a little longer, okay?”*
Tears burned in my eyes.
### **The Truth Comes Out**
I stepped forward, and his head snapped up.
*”What are you doing here?”* he asked, startled.
*”What am *I* doing here? Eric, what are *you* doing?”* I pointed at the puppy, still curled up in his arms.
He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. “I found him in an alley near work. He was sick—dying, really. I knew you’d worry about the cost, and we can’t keep another pet, so I just… I don’t know. I wanted to take care of him myself.”
*”So you lied to me?”* My voice wavered.
*”I didn’t want to burden you. You already do so much. I figured I’d nurse him back, find him a home, and then… you’d never have to know.”*
I stared at him. This **stubborn, ridiculous, kind-hearted man.**
I knelt down, running my fingers gently over the puppy’s soft, thin fur. He let out a tiny sigh and leaned into my touch.
*”You should’ve told me,”* I whispered.
Eric swallowed hard. *”I know. I’m sorry.”*
I sighed, then looked up at him with a small smile. *”Well… I guess we need to buy some dog food.”*
Eric’s eyes widened. *”You mean—”*
*”Yeah. He’s ours now.”*
And just like that, the dog that almost broke us… **brought us closer than ever.**