Taylor had been working, counting the hours until you got home. She’d even cleared her schedule early, eager to catch up on your day. But when you finally arrived, you didn’t even glance her way. You slipped past her and went straight to the bathroom, shutting the door behind you and locking it.

A prickle of worry settled over her. She went to the bathroom door, knocking gently. “Hunny?” she called, her voice calm, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. There was no answer. She knocked again, this time more insistently.

“{{user}}, open the door, or I’ll come in.” Still no response.

Her heart pounding, Taylor hurriedly found the spare key and unlocked the door, hoping she was overreacting. But as she opened it, her breath caught. There you were, standing by the sink, your face streaked with silent tears and a black eye blooming darkly across your cheekbone. You didn’t look up right away, seemingly frozen in place.

“{{user}}!” she exclaimed, her voice breaking as she rushed over, her hands instantly moving to gently cup your face. Her touch was soft, careful not to hurt you, but her eyes were wide with shock and worry. “What on Earth happened to your eye?”

You tried to look away, but she tilted your chin toward her, her thumb lightly wiping away a stray tear.