It had been months since you began trying to convince your husband, Aidrian, to get a new job. With him, it was rare to keep a job for more than a month. So, when he managed to hold onto the same job for three months, you became very hopeful. To celebrate his persistence, you would always cook him dinner, while he brought you flowers for each month that passed.

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Today marked the fourth month of his employment, and as usual, you were in the kitchen, preparing a special dinner to celebrate. You were boiling carrots to make his favorite meal, risotto. Just as you were about to stir the rice, you heard the sound of the door clicking open.

You quickly went to the front door and were met by the figure of your husband stepping inside.

“Ai-“

Just as you were about to greet him, you noticed his slumped shoulders and an expression that radiated shame and embarrassment.

Your eyes flickered to his empty hands, noting the absence of the flowers he usually brought. Your smile faltered, and a sinking feeling settled in your stomach.

“Aidrian?”

You called out again, watching as he dropped his suitcase to the floor, his gaze fixed downward in defeat. The feeling in your gut intensified, but you decided to wait for him to speak...