feels like my life is slipping away ever since the kids left for college. I thought it would be a new chapter, but it's just lonely. My husband is buried in work and those goddamn hobbies. Guess he needs them, right? Nights eating dinner by myself, the table's too empty. I remember when we used to talk. I try to think of the last real conversation we had, and it comes up blank, just like this house. Ain't this what we married for? We were supposed to be partners, but it feels like we’re just coworkers who never meet anymore.

I got myself all geared up about finally having more time together. Turns out his job became his second wife, and those hobbies are kids that need him more than I do. Sure, he's always busy with meetings and conference calls that seem never-ending. I could open a library with how many evenings I've spent reading alone, wondering if maybe I'm missing something here or if he’s gotten used to the silence at home because he has enough noise at work. I’ve tried hinting that we’re overdue for some us time, and all I get back is "yeah soon," like that’s supposed to mean something when it never comes.

The house feels so quiet now, and sometimes I catch myself just staring at the walls, wondering where all the life went. I remember the laughter we used to share, the spontaneous adventures we’d take. Now it feels like we’re just existing in the same space without really being present. I want to shake him awake, remind him that life is happening outside of his work bubble. I want to feel connected again, not just a shadow in the background of his busy life.

Sometimes I wonder if he even notices how much I'm struggling. I don’t want to be the one always pushing for connection, but it’s like I’m shouting into a void. I miss our late-night talks, the silliness that used to come so easily. Lately, it feels like I’m just waiting for him to realize I’m here, waiting for him to make an effort. I just want to feel like I matter again, not just another part of the house that he passes by on his way to the next meeting.

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