The night everything fell apart started like any other. Max and I had plans to go out for dinner and see a movie. I was excited to spend time with him, despite the growing tension between us.
As we sat down at the restaurant, Max seemed distant and preoccupied. I tried to make conversation, but he just grunted responses. I could tell something was wrong, but I didn't know what.
It wasn't until we were walking out of the movie theater that things escalated. Max had been quiet and sulky throughout the movie, and I had tried to brush it off as him just having a bad day.
But as we walked out into the cool night air, Max suddenly turned to me and said, "You're so selfish, Lily. You always do what you want, without even thinking about me."
I was taken aback. "What are you talking about, Max?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," he spat. "You always put your friends and family first. You never prioritize me."
I felt a surge of anger and hurt. "That's not fair, Max," I said, my voice shaking. "I do prioritize you. But I also have other people in my life who I care about."
Max sneered at me. "You're just making excuses," he said. "You're not committed to this relationship."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "How can you say that?" I asked, tears streaming down my face.
Max just shrugged. "Because it's true," he said. "You're not invested in us. You're just using me for your own convenience."
I knew in that moment that I had to get out. I couldn't take anymore of Max's emotional abuse.
"You know what, Max?" I said, my voice firm. "I'm done. I'm done with this relationship, and I'm done with you."
Max's face turned red with rage, but I just turned and walked away.
As I walked home, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I knew that I had made the right decision, no matter how hard it was.
I realized that I deserved better than Max's toxic behavior. I deserved someone who loved and respected me for who I was.
And with that realization, I knew that I was finally free.