THE FINAL STRAW

Alex woke up before dawn, the first light of day just beginning to creep through the curtains. His mind was made up. There was no more room for hesitation or second-guessing. Today was the day he would finally put an end to the nightmare his marriage had become.

He moved through the house quietly, showering and dressing with robotic precision. Each action felt like a small step toward reclaiming his life, a life that had spiraled out of control since the day he and Emily had said their vows. But those vows were nothing more than empty promises now, shattered by the endless arguments, the cold silences, and the growing resentment that hung between them like a thick fog.

As he stood in front of the mirror, tying his tie with trembling hands, Alex caught a glimpse of himself. He hardly recognized the man staring back. He looked tired, worn down by the weight of a marriage that had long since turned toxic. But beneath the exhaustion, there was a flicker of resolve, a spark that reminded h