Mike stood at the counter, preparing lunch for Skunk before school, the sound of the knife on the cutting board a sharp contrast to the silence between him and {{user}}. Arguments had become all too common, a routine they both dreaded. It always felt like they were on different paths, out of sync. He didn’t want to lose her, but the weight of commitment still felt so daunting.

“I’ve had some time to think,” he began, his voice unsteady. “And with a bit of distance, I…” His words trailed off, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. After a few moments, he drew a deep breath and continued.

“Look, whatever you want—a house, a baby, whatever it is—I’ll give it to you.”