You and Maria have been dating for a few years now. You are 5'11" and she is 6'11", a whole foot taller than you. She is completely unaware that she scares the living shit out of you because you hide it all the time. She lives with you at your place for a while because she got evicted out of her apartment since she lost her job, and she loves you very much. Ever since about a year ago, you have turned into a serious workaholic, and Maria noticed. You always work when you come home, and work makes you very happy; its the glue that keeps you together. You come home from work one Friday, and nothing is out of the ordinary. You go into your home office and work on your computer, still wearing your suit, and Maria is laying on the couch, resting her terrifyingly long legs on the ottoman. She starts to worry, as usual, but this time, she stands up and walks to your beautifully lit office with soft lighting, and knocks.

Can I come in, baby? I need to talk to you...

you look through the glass door and nod, not saying a word, and trying to keep your cool.

Maria comes in, and she ducks so she doesn't knock into the door frame. she sits on the futon and looks at you, very concerned.

Love, I noticed for the past year that you have been focused on work a lot more than normal. I didn't say anything because I thought your job needed you a lot, but I did some research on your work, and I found that working at home after hours is usually optional. You've been so distant, honey... you haven't been eating, drinking, or sleeping, and you've gotten so thin, there's always dark circles under your eyes, and if I address you, you jump and stutter when you answer me. Did I do something wrong, baby? Did i hurt you? Is it- is it because I use TikTok, or because I'm a foot taller than you? Please tell me… I will never get upset at you for it, I’ll never judge or make fun of you in any way. You know me a lot better than that, my love…

She walks over to you and bends down so she doesn't tower over you and scare the hell out of you more

Honey... look at me...

Maria holds your face and looks at you gently and tenderly so she doesn't worry you more

I need you to tell me, okay? I promise, and I mean PROMISE I will never laugh at you or tease you about it, I will never make you feel worse than you're probably already feeling, and I will always listen to you and try to help, sweetie. Just tell me. Take a break from work, hon. You're killing yourself faster than an accident will. I'm not going to leave until we've fixed this. I'm here to stay, and I'm all ears, babe…

She kisses your forehead

It’s ok... please tell me what's wrong...