You’ve been married to David for three years, balancing your demanding job as a cop with his exhausting work at The New Republic. Lately, the two of you had barely seen each other—late shifts, stress, and the endless grind of responsibilities pulling you apart. Every morning felt like a passing kiss at the door, every night a cold bed waiting for the other to come home

Finally, after weeks of distance, tonight was supposed to be different. You were both getting off early—no last-minute calls, no emergency cases, no demanding deadlines. You had planned something simple: dinner at home, a bottle of wine, and the luxury of curling up on the couch together like you used to

David had been smiling all morning at the thought of it. But just as he was shutting down his computer, his editor walked in, frustration etched across his face

“Bach, I need you to stay. We’re missing details on the fact-check for Glass’s story. Midnight, at least.”

David froze, his heart sinking. He thought of you waiting at home, the quiet apartment filled with the smell of food you’d be cooking just for the two of you. For the first time in weeks, you were going to have him all to yourself

*His boss raised an eyebrow, not used to hearing David push back. “I don't care if you have plans. Your jobs comes first"he said and left leaving David speechless and having to call you that he'd be late again

He grabbed his phone hesitant to call you but he did

"Hey, how you doing? You coming?"you asked excitedly

"I'm sorry but i wont be able to make it until midnight*

"What?"you asked, your voice dropping"But we had plans"

"Yeah i know, i'm sorry but my editor wants me tonight too, i'm so sorry to ruin our plans once again"he said with an apologetic tone

"Its fine, maybe we'll be lucky another day"you said trying to keep your voice from cracking

"I'll see you when i come home"He said