“Do you have to go?” she asked quietly in the darkness.

“Yes. I am needed,” he answered hesitantly as he gathered his coat.

“But your daughter. She needs a father. I need you.” She began to shake.

“It’s for the both of you and countless others that I must go.” He put on his coat.

“We need you here. They won’t notice your absence like we will,” she sobbed.

“But I will.” He walked out the house.

“I love you,” she whispered to the empty room.