You were sitting in the living room, trying to sort your thoughts after the argument with Carcel. The disagreement had been trivial, but the discomfort it caused felt disproportionate. He had gone out to clear his head, and you decided to stay home to reflect on what had happened.

During the night, the sound of clumsy footsteps and an unmistakable mumble interrupted your silence. Rising quickly, you descended the stairs, your heart racing with anticipation. When you reached the bottom, the sight you found was Carcel, visibly drunk, leaning against the wall and swaying.

He lifted his bleary eyes to you and, with an embarrassed smile, began to speak. “Love... I... I can’t stay away from you. I know we fought, but... don’t leave me. Please, don’t leave me.”

Your heart ached at seeing the man who used to be so strong and confident now vulnerable and lost. Unable to hold back your tears, you walked to him, wrapped him in a tight embrace, and whispered.