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“Isn’t it funny how our whole life together can be packed up so easily.”
Meredith turned to look up from the box she was taping in surprise. “Derek! You gave me a fright.”
He shrugged indifferently and walked into the room. “Don’t mind me. I’m just here to grab the rest of my clothes.”
“Okay.” She replied and turned her attention back to the task in front of her while still watching him out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t even have any idea where he was sleeping lately and she thought that was the strangest thing. It always baffled her how someone could go from your everything to nothing.
A few minutes later he emerged from the closet with a packed suitcase. He leaned on the doorframe for a moment before speaking. “You don’t have to move out. I built this house for our family, I still want the kids to enjoy it.”
Meredith paused what she was doing and faced him. “This house was never my dream, Derek, it was yours. If anyone should stay, it should be you. The kids will be able to enjoy it with you.”
“The house was never the dream. You were the dream, our family was the dream.”
“Derek…” Meredith sighed.
“I know, I’m supposed to just take it like a man. But god, Meredith, I thought this is what you wanted as well.”
“I thought so too, until it started to feel like the walls were closing in.”
Derek huffed incredulously. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“I’m sorry, I just… We both changed Derek, we just don’t fit anymore.”
“Apparently I don’t fit anywhere anymore. Everyone seems to have taken your side.”
“There isn't any sides. You know that’s not how I want things to be.”
“Tell that to my sister, my own sister, who called me an idiot and told me I couldn’t stay with her.”
“I’ve barely spoken to Amy. I can’t control other people, Derek.”
“Amy huh? Thought I was the only one who could call her that.” Derek chuckled ruefully as he walked to the bedroom door. He paused again and turned to look at her and when their eyes met, just like always, Meredith could tell exactly what he was thinking. She voiced it so he didn’t have to.
“I know you hate me.”