the strained dynamic between the protagonist and Everett is palpable as the former tends to her sick husband, navigating a marriage of convenience fraught with bitterness and resentment. Everett’s flushed complexion and disheveled appearance reflect his physical decline, mirroring the deteriorating state of their relationship. Despite the protagonist’s attempts to care for him, Everett’s hostility remains a barrier, underscoring the emotional distance between them amidst the backdrop of illness