When Nella notices her husband, Eric, behaving oddly, she begins to follow him, determined to uncover his secret.

After several nights of his unsettling routine, she finally confronts him—only to discover a truth far more profound than she ever anticipated.

It all started when Eric asked for some space, something he had never done in their twelve years of marriage.

“It’s not about us, Nella,” he reassured her. “I just need time to sort things out.”

But when he packed a bag and insisted on sleeping in his car, Nella’s anxiety soared. Was he leaving her? Seeing someone else?

For ten nights, Eric left after dinner and returned before dawn, looking exhausted. Each time she pressed him, he simply said, “Trust me, okay?”

By the fifth night, her patience snapped. She followed him to a park, expecting to catch him with another woman. But instead, he sat alone, staring at his phone before curling up with a blanket.

On the tenth night, she confronted him. “Eric, what’s going on? Are you seeing someone?”

With a weary sigh, he pulled out a recorder and a stack of books. “I didn’t want to worry you, but I’ve been recording bedtime stories for the kids.”

Confused, Nella asked, “Why would that worry me?”

Eric hesitated, his hands trembling. “I went to the doctor. It’s cancer, Nella. It’s serious. I’m on borrowed time.”

Her world shattered. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to burden you. I just wanted the kids to have something to remember me by.”

Tears streamed down her face as she gripped his hand. “We’ll face this together.”

The months that followed were filled with treatments, precious family moments, and quiet nights of whispered reassurances. Eric fought hard, but the disease was relentless.

One winter morning, he passed away. The house felt empty, the children too young to grasp the loss.

Days after the funeral, Nella retrieved his recorder. Among the bedtime stories, one title stood out: Our Story.

She pressed play, and Eric’s warm voice filled the air.

“Once upon a time, there was a princess—kind, intelligent, and braver than any knight. She met an ordinary man, and from that moment, his life changed forever.”

Tears fell as she listened.

“The princess and the man built a life together, raising a prince and a princess. And though the man grew weary, he knew his princess would endure—with love and strength.”

His voice wavered.

“So, my love, if you’re listening… know that you were my fairytale. You made my life extraordinary. And even though I can’t be with you, your story must continue.”

It was exactly what she needed.

Now, whenever the weight of grief presses on her, she listens to his voice—and somehow, she finds the strength to smile.