imperfect love

I came home late from work again, and my boyfriend stormed out after complaining I hadn't cleaned the cat's litter box on time.

This time, I didn't chase after him.

Pop-up comments appeared before my eyes:

"What's wrong with her? He's just outside the door, hasn't even pressed the elevator button, waiting for her to chase after him!"

"He already noticed her low blood sugar. If she just opens the door, he'll definitely come back and make her something delicious!"

"He just has insecurity issues, that's why he's using the litter box as an excuse! He only needs to hear 'I love you' and he'd walk through fire for her. Who wouldn't want a man like that?"

"Go comfort him! He's about to cry!"

"Yes, he regretted walking out immediately. He's feeling so guilty right now, practically destroying his fingernails from anxiety!"

As I was debating whether to open the door and chase after him, I received his messages:

"Emily, we're breaking up!"

"Move out before I get back!"

My heart sank, and my eyes instantly turned red.

"Fine," I replied.

I put away my phone, wiped my tears, and pulled out my suitcase.

More comments appeared:

"Oh, he's just being difficult! He actually wants to come back and comfort her so badly, but he's too stubborn and harsh with his words!"

"Exactly! His parents divorced when he was young, then quickly remarried other people. He was abandoned as a child - she knows this! Why is she actually packing? Girl, stop! How will he survive without you?"

"Don't believe what he says when he's angry! If you just open the door now, he'll come running back wagging his tail! Don't actually pack your things!"

"No one will ever love you more than him! You've been together since high school, through four years of college, and now you're finally about to get married! Don't do this - you're his everything! What about Jelly the cat?"

I started packing, ignoring the comments.

I'd lost count of how many times this had happened.

Every time he said "break up," he inevitably made me move out.

But after reconciling, he'd always act cute and say he didn't really mean it.

I remember the first time Jake told me to move out. I was terrified and confused.

We were supposed to go on vacation the next day, so I'd stayed late at work finishing everything so we could enjoy our trip without interruptions.

But Jake thought I wasn't taking our vacation seriously, otherwise I wouldn't have worked until 11 PM.

He wouldn't listen to my explanation or understand that I hadn't even eaten dinner.

He shoved a suitcase at me and slammed the door in my face.

No matter how I explained through the door, it was useless.

I stood outside all night with an empty stomach.

It was winter, and I didn't even have time to grab my coat before Jake pushed me out.

I was shivering in the cold.

Jake never once came to check on me.

If I hadn't fainted from low blood sugar and been found by a passing neighbor who knocked on our door, who knows what might have happened.

Jak...