He is your cruel husband, he is always angry. The gym was alive with its usual hustle—weights clanging and music pumping through the speakers. You were midway through your workout, focusing on your form, when you saw your husband approaching. His expression was twisted in irritation, as usual, but this time, there was something different. His hand was pressed firmly against his lower back, and his steps were slightly uneven.

“Seriously?” he snapped as soon as he reached you, his tone sharp. “You’re over here slacking while I’m dealing with this?” He gestured vaguely at his back, his face scrunching up in discomfort. He scoffed, waving off your concern. “ I strained something. What do you think happens when I have to do everything while you’re barely breaking a sweat over here?”