It was late when the light haired woman stepped through the threshold of the house.  The feverish activity at the Center called for coordinated efforts through many evenings. 

Fulfilling, yes.  Exhausting, undoubtedly.  Her weariness though was unmatched by the personal ache that simmered and at times surfaced.

Breathing tiredly, she was greeted by a predictable silence.  Her partner would most likely still be at work herself.  The highly publicized exhibit warranted accelerating demands to ensure completion. 

If observed with intent, there were signs of inconsolable stress cracking the confident veneer of the usually resilient art director.  The source of tension however, was unrelated to the realization of her professional expertise. 

Instead, a crescendo of underlying pressure only the callous could sustain.

Time spent in their home was thinning.  The moments spent in each other’s presence diminishing as days stretched to the following dawn.  Sadly, even during shared moments the empty space was discernible.  The echoing wails of disconnect reverberating within and between.  Shaking the very structure of their relationship. 

The quiet now, in the house was akin to the deafening muteness in the exchange of embodiment of selves.  An exercise in disclosure left entirely wanting.

Initially, their drifting apart was imperceptible.  What was unsaid mounted from the inconsequential then relatively minor matters.  Inevitably welling up to the more significant facets of their lives. 

Separation of thoughts followed.  Slowly then determinedly isolating one from the other emotionally and physically.

Silence.  Magnified almost beyond comprehension and amplified after the loss of their unborn son.  Each blocking access and shutting down from the other in different ways. 

One unwilling to collapse under the weight of despair and loss.  In part almost fearful of showing emotion lest her proud role of being the pillar and provider be marred.  The other receding into an almost impenetrable shell that excluded her partner.  An exclusion perpetuated even as she eventually found reprieve from the persistent ache with the increased involvement in one social cause then the next.  

The only parallel experience was their withdrawal.

Each had been ignoring the growing distance, anticipating an eventual return to the ideal past.  Taking refuge in the hope this would come to pass. Taking for granted the need to sustain the bond lest it escape the desire to retain it.