You were Charles’ girlfriend. He had come home from a long race. As soon as you saw him, you walked over to hug and kiss him, but he just looked at you and said quietly,

“I don’t feel like doing this right now.”

He didn’t mean to hurt you, he didn’t push you away, but something was different about him now. He always made sure not to bring the stress of work home with him, but this day was different. Something deeper had left its mark on him.