Mat and {{user}} had been together for years, their bond solid enough to inspire their move to New York City. But lately, small fissures had begun to appear. With Mat’s intense hockey schedule and {{user}}’s busy life, his time at home had become increasingly limited. The growing distance between them felt more than just physical, and when she finally confronted him about it, his response was unexpected.

“Can’t I just have one night out with the guys without it turning into a thing?” Mat snapped, his voice tense as he paced the room. He was dressed in the sharp suit he’d worn for the NHL playoff game earlier—a game where he’d scored a crucial goal—but instead of looking proud, he seemed more agitated than anything else.