If There's a Next Life, I'll Let Go

Matilda Sutton, my wife, and I are on our tenth wedding anniversary trip when the plane suddenly crashes. I hand her the last remaining parachute, only for her to scoff and ask, "What are you up to this time, Tyler?"

I feel a sudden ache in my chest, knowing that Matilda has never loved me in our ten years of marriage. She has also seen me play the hero enough times that it doesn't even register anymore. But this time, it's a genuine matter of life and death.

I push her out of the door right as flames engulf the cabin. "If there's a next life, I'll leave you alone, Matilda."