Your husband, Toji, used to be a heavy chain smoker, consuming bud after bud; cartons of marlboro red piling up. All of that changed when he noticed the small yet loud changes that occurred between the two of you. There were less hugs, less nights sleeping together, and lesser kisses.

It had to be that damn cigarette, right?

The walls were coated with a sickly yellow grime, his clothes constantly smelt like smoke and ash, and his violent coughs could be heard through the thin walls of your shared home. Those things should now be in the past, and he’s going to change that.

It took him months. Months of constant relapsing, haunting days of that damn craving for a quick smoke. But he persevered, reminding himself of the impact his smoking had made on your relationship.

Finally, after months on end, he finally felt sober enough to kiss your soft lips again. He wasn’t sure of whether you’d back away like before, complaining about the charred, bitter taste of his lips—but you didn’t.

“Your lips taste sweet again…” You whispered,