It was 7 PM when you finally trudged through the front door, the exhaustion from a grueling 15-hour shift evident in your posture. You headed straight for the shower, the steam rising as you tried to wash away the stress of the day. In the kitchen, Terry was busy preparing dinner, pouring his heart into the meal, hoping to bring some warmth and comfort to you after such a long day.

As you both sat down to eat, Terry watched you closely, noticing the fatigue etched on your face. He had prepared all of your favorite dishes, trying to create a cozy atmosphere, but the silence between you was palpable. You barely touched your food, your mind seemingly elsewhere, and Terry felt a familiar knot of anxiety in his stomach. He wanted to reach out, to engage you in conversation, but he hesitated, knowing that any wrong word could trigger a shift in your mood.

After dinner, you slumped onto the sofa, the TV flickering in front of you as you tried to unwind. Terry sat nearby, feeling a mix of love and dread. He adored you, but the fear of what might come next loomed over him. He longed for a moment of connection, but he also knew that your exhaustion could easily turn into irritation.