[ WP ] write both sides of an affair , make both sides feel valid and empathizeable

She was sick. It had been days since she could eat, sleep, or even think clearly. Any energy she had was gathered about her to veil the pain from her two daughters. Both under five, she could n't stand the thought that even a wisp of her pain may be felt by her girls should she let her guard down for even a second. She knew though that no matter how hard she tried that they sensed her struggle. They clung close to her without want. They too seemed to put on masks. Not asking after their daddy. Not making any of their usual demands. They just simply drew near to her. 
 
 The story was such a goddamn cliche, she thought; My best friend sleeping with my husband. It was fodder for the day time soaps. A lazy and worn out plot line. Yet it played itself out for her over the past year right under her nose undetected. Once she caught on, her hindsight became illuminated, and with that embarrassment stung her sharply. As it faded anger rose. As the anger burnt out, despair set upon her and rested as if home. 
 
 He denied it when confronted, and continued to do so. If only he would admit it, she thought, it would become something they could both look at. Hold between them in their hands and look at it. Decide what to do with it. Her friend readily admitted everything and she was surprised at the relief that the validation provided. She could now move past her friend. Leave her behind. It was n't so easy with him. 
 
 `` Are you even listening to me?'' He said. His words cut through her fog and brought her back. She turned and faced him. `` No. You're not really. You never have.'' She scoffed audibly. `` That's it.'' He said sharply. `` That right there. That's why I've left.'' 
 
 `` What does that mean exactly?'' She said furrowing her brow. `` For the Goddamn millionth time, I've told you that I needed some slack. Some understanding. Some patience. I'm fucking dying inside and you do n't get it or do n't want to here it. I do n't know what's worse. Either way it's something that I ca n't live with.'' 
 
 `` Is she better at that then. Is that why you lover her?'' Anger rose in her voice. `` I do n't love her. I do n't know if I can love. All I do know is that nobody is as perfect as you. I know that she sees my pain. Knows that I am depressed, and believes it. Any time I brought it up to you, you looked at me as if I was weak. Not a man. You told me to quit crying and get over it.'' 
 
 She laughed. She saw that it seemed to physically hurt him. She was glad. `` Well you're not. Any man would be over the death of his father by now. You were fifteen for Christ's sake. You're nearly thirty now. Fucking grow up. I'll need to find the girls a real man for a daddy'' 
 
 He winced. His eyes filled and she focused hard, willing them to the brim. As the tears spilled down his cheeks, she felt a warmth spread across her chest. She had broken him. For the first time in days she felt a smile spread her lips.
