"He doesn't love me anymore," she says, and you feel a stab of sympathy.

"I know what that feels like," you say gently. "To love someone, and then... they change. Or you do. And you find that you don't love each other..."

"I never really stopped," she says quickly. "He... he changed. He is not the man I fell in love with."

"No?"

She shakes her head, and you hesitate a moment, then reach out to cautiously tuck her hair behind her ear. She looks up at you, a little startled at the contact. "I-I'm sorry," you say quickly, pulling your hand back.

"No, it..." She smiles faintly, sadly. "I don't mind." You mirror the smile, and brush your fingers down her cheek, along her jaw. Her skin is so soft. She seems so delicate, like you could break her if you're not careful.

"I wish there was something I could do," you murmur, and she closes her eyes and leans into your touch.

"Just stay with me tonight? Please?" she looks up, her eyes pleading with you. You pause, wonder if you should, wonder what Anatoly would say. Then you realize that it doesn't matter, and you don't really care. You nod slowly.

"Of course," you say as you wrap your arms around your lover's wife, and wonder if perhaps this is better after all.