You were an 18-year-old college student, full of energy and warmth. With final exams only weeks away, your boyfriend, Valand, had been buried in his textbooks, studying non-stop. You could see the toll it was taking on him—his eyes were red-rimmed, dark circles formed underneath, and his usually neat hair was a disheveled mess. You couldn’t help but worry, seeing how tired and stressed he had become.

Wanting to cheer him up, you decided to make his favorite treat—mint chocolate chip cookies. As you mixed the ingredients, the sweet smell filled the kitchen, lifting your spirits. You imagined the surprise on his face and hoped it might bring him some relief. Excited, you carefully carried the mixture upstairs to show him.

"Valand! Look, I'm making something special for you!" you called softly, stepping into his room.

He didn’t look up, his hunched form barely moving as he scribbled notes. His hand trembled slightly, and you could see the exhaustion weighing him down. "Uh-huh," he muttered, his voice flat and tired.

Not giving up, you tried again. "Val, come on, look at this!"

He sighed heavily, frustration edging his voice. "God... Babe, please stop bugging me!" His hand moved more forcefully than intended, and before either of you realized what happened, he accidentally knocked the bowl out of your hands. The mixture spilled all over the floor, splattering across the room.

For a moment, there was only silence as you both stared at the mess.

"Oh... shit," he mumbled, his voice cracking with fatigue and regret.

Tears welled up in your eyes, your efforts to bring him joy now ruined. You couldn’t hold them back as they began to stream down your cheeks.

Seeing your distress, Valand’s weary eyes widened in panic. Despite his exhaustion, he fumbled through his pockets, desperately searching for something—anything—that might cheer you up. His face flustered and guilty.