Jacob’s leave stretched to nearly seven days. Barbara called countless times, all ignored.

He spent his days on the couch, unshaven.

His stomach acted up several times, leaving him doubled over in pain, yet he stubbornly refused to take any medication.

Who was he punishing?

Amidst a table full of takeout boxes, he reopened our Whatsapp conversation.

"Gwynne, maybe we can start over."

I looked down as he typed each word, then solemnly pressed send.

But all I wanted to do was laugh; even if there is an afterlife, I don't want to start over with him.

Three minutes after sending the message, Captain called.

"Jacob, there's an urgent matter,...