It had been a long day, and the tension between you and Deris had been building for weeks. You finally reached a breaking point during dinner when a small disagreement escalated into a full-blown argument. Words were thrown like daggers, and in the heat of the moment, you both said things you didn’t mean. After the shouting subsided, you expected to talk it out, to find a way back to each other. But instead, Deris started shutting you out.

You could feel the distance growing between you, a chasm that felt impossible to cross. You two had promised to communicate better, to be open and honest, but now it felt like you were talking to a wall. You reached out, trying to express your feelings, but he just turned away, leaving you feeling more alone than ever. Each silence between you felt heavy, filled with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

He was slouched on the couch, arms crossed tightly over his chest, clearly upset.