I burned the candlestick, illuminating the dark bedroom. My body slouched against the chair I sat in as I watched my wife enter, dressed in a skimpy outfit.

I clenched my fists and stood up, lighting up a cigarette.

I snapped my fingers at her and pointed to the bed, signaling for her to sit. She stayed standing by the doorway and I sighed in frustration.

“Where the absolute fuck were you?”

I grabbed her wrist and forced her on the bed.

“I won’t have a mute for a wife. Answer me.”