Rita's Unseen Destiny.

Laura, what is wrong? He asked, trying to remove her hands away from her face. "Tell me what's going on. "Slowly, Laura's sobs subsided, and he looked up at Carlson with tears streaming down her face. 

 "It's Dave," she said, her voice shaking. " My boyfriend. He proposed to Nina instead of me." 

 Carlson's eyes widened in shock. " What! That's terrible. I am so sorry, Laura. "

 Laura nodded, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. I thought we were happy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought he loved me." 

 Carlson put a comforting arm around Laura's shoulders. "You deserve so much better than someone who would treat you like that," he said. "Let's get you out of here and get you home safely, okay? "

 Carlson helped Laura off the stool and guided her out of the bar, making sure she was safe and stable. As they walked, Laura continued to sob, her body shaking with emotions.

 Carlson led Laura to his car and helped her inside, starting the engine and beginning the drive to his house. As they drove, Laura's sobs slowly subsided, replaced by a numb silence.

 When they arrived at Carlson's house, he helped Laura inside and sat her down on the couch. He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, trying to comfort her.

 I am so sorry, Laura, "he said, sitting down beside her. " You deserve so much better than someone who would hurt you like that.

 Laura looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "Thanks, Carlson," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just feel so stupid. I thought we were happy." 

 Carlson shook his head. " You are not stupid, Laura. You are just hurt. And that's okay. It's okay to feel pain and to take time to heal."

 Laura nodded, a small smile on her face." Thanks, Carlson. Just talking to you makes me feel a little better."

 Carlson smiled back. " Anytime, Laura. Now, why don't you try to get some rest? You can stay here tonight, and we will figure everything out in the morning."

 Laura nodded, snuggling under the blanket. Carlson sat beside her, watching as she drifted off to sleep. As he sat there, Carlson couldn't help but think about his own situation. He was still no closer to finding out what had happened to his baby, and now Rita was gone too.

 But as he looked at Laura, he felt a sense of determination. He was going to help Laura get through this tough time, and he was going to find out what had happened to his baby, no matter what it took.

 The next morning Laura woke up feeling a little more refreshed, although her head was still pounding from the previous night's drinking. She slowly got off the couch and began to explore Carlson's house, trying to get her bearings. 

 As she walked into the living room, her eyes landed on a series of photos on the wall. They were pictures of Carlson and a woman, presumably his wife, Rita. Laura's eyes widened as she took in the happy scene. Carlson and Rita's wedding day, and the birth of their baby.

 Laura's heart swelled with emotions as she gazed at the photos. She couldn't help but admire the kind of husband and father Carlson was. He was clearly devoted to his family, and Laura felt a pang of sadness that she had never experienced that kind of love and commitment. 

 As she continued to study the photos, Laura started to wonder where Rita was. She hadn't seen her around the house, and Carlson hadn't mentioned her the previous night.

 Laura's curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to ask Carlson about Rita. She walked into the kitchen, where she found Carlson making breakfast.

 "Goodmorning," Carlson said, smiling at her. How are you feeling today?"

 Laura smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. " I am okay, thanks. A bit hungover, but I will survive."

 Carlson chuckled. " I am glad to hear that. Now, would you like some breakfast?"

 Laura nodded, taking a seat at the kitchen table as Carlson served her a plate of eggs and toast. Laura decided to ask him about Rita.

 "Carlson, can I ask you something?" Laura said, her curiosity getting the better of her.

 "Of course, what is it?" Carlson replied, sitting down across from her.

 Laura hesitated for a moment before asking, "where is Rita?" 

 Carlson's expression changed, and he looked away, his eyes clouding over. "Rita and I are not together right now," he said, his voice low and hesitant. "She is staying with her parents." 

 Laura's eyes widened in surprise. "I am so sorry, Carlson. I had no idea." 

 Carlson shook his head. It's complicated. We are going through a tough time.

 Laura nodded, feeling a sense of empathy for Carlson. She could tell that he was hurting, and she wanted to help him in any way she could.

 As they finished breakfast Laura couldn't help but notice the sadness in Carlson's eyes. She had seen the way he looked at the photos of Rita and their baby, and she knew that he was hurting.

 "Carlson, can I ask you something?" Laura said, her voice gentle.

 " Of course, what is it?" Carlson replied, looking up at her.

 Laura hesitated for a moment before asking, "What happened between you and Rita? You seem really hurt."

 Carlson sighed, rubbing his temples. It's a long story, Laura. But I will try to keep it short. Rita and I had a baby together. But after the birth, Rita suffered from pueperial psychosis. She wasn't herself, and it was really tough on both of us " 

 Laura's eyes widened in understanding. " I am so sorry, Carlson. That must have been a really difficult moment for you both."

 Carlson nodded. It was but Rita has been getting treatment, and she is doing better now. She decided to go stay with her parents for a while to focus on her recovery.

 Laura nodded, feeling a sense of empathy for Rita. "I can understand why she wants to do that. Maybe someday she will come back home, and you can work on rebuilding your relationship."