And The Silver Spoon

"Franny, you know this. I have to protect the city."

She hums in frustrated amusement. "Always the city, never the girlfriend."

You roll your eyes. After the ass beating you've just received, you can't help yourself.

"Look, Fran, I promise you I'll make this all up to you tomorrow. But just for tonight, I need you to be here for me. I need medical attention."

She stares ahead distantly, making a decision. Your heart stops.

"Wait, Fran," you say, trying to reason with her as she stands suddenly and makes her way for the door.

"There won't be a tomorrow, Michael."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm done."

"Done with what?"

She pauses in the doorway, deadpanning at you. You stare back desperately, but she doesn't budge.

"Done being needed."

You watch her intently as she drapes her coat over the arm and steps onto the stoop.

The door slams. You stand in silence for a second, numb to whats just happened.

You tiredly stumble into the kitchen. The anniversary dinner Franny made for you both, the one you were supposed to make, is sitting on the counter in neat Tupperware containers, cold. A bouquet of flowers lies stem-up in the trash can.

Franny is gone. You are alone.

Continue.