At Dinner With My Parents, She Said, “Your Son’s Sweet, But I’m Still Exploring My Options,” While Holding My Hand. I Let Go. Stood Up And Said, “We Should Go.” While My Parents Watched Her In Shock. Drove Her Home Without A Word While She Was Trying To Explain. At Her Door, I Said, “You’re Free To Explore Now,” And Left.

Part 2

When I returned to my parents’ house, my mother was washing dishes that were already clean. My father stood in the doorway with his arms folded.

“A person who holds your hand while announcing she’s shopping around is not confused,” he said.

“She’s cruel.”

The word sounded dramatic until I replayed the moment. Her hand in mine. Her voice light. My parents trying not to look hurt for me. Cruel fit.

Emma texted that night: I can’t believe you dumped me because I answered honestly. I replied that I did not dump her for honesty. I dumped her because she wanted the comfort of my commitment while advertising her lack of it. She called me manipulative. I put the phone down.

The next morning, she said she did not mean she was dating other people. I asked what she meant. She said she did not know if I was her forever person yet. I told her uncertainty was allowed. Public humiliation at my parents’ table was not. She said I was acting like she cheated. I told her I was acting like I heard her.

By Friday, I had returned our anniversary tickets, canceled the weekend cabin, and boxed the few things she kept at my apartment. Her sweater. A charger. A book she never finished. A framed photo where she looked radiant and I looked certain. I mailed the box with no note.