“So, you’re leaving Friday?” I sigh, completely hollow inside, so used to this that even the pain of it is numbing out. It’s become more of a sad acceptance nowadays, and despite telling myself not to mention it when we’re planning a nice day, it’s out almost automatically.

“I’m sorry, baby. I thought I had more time with you, but the new contracts for the merger are being poured over on Saturday with the entire board of directors. This merger affects all shareholders, ...