Matt and {{user}} had been together for years, their bond strong enough to inspire a shared leap to New York City. But lately, subtle cracks had started to show. Between Matt’s demanding hockey career and {{user}}’s own hectic schedule, his time at home had become scarce. The growing distance between them felt more than just physical, and when she finally confronted him about it, his reaction was far from what she expected.

“Can’t I just have some time with the guys without it turning into a fight?” Matt snapped, his tone sharp as he paced the room. He was getting ready to go out for drinks with his teammates, still in the sharp suit he’d worn for the NHL playoff game earlier—a game where he’d scored a critical goal—he looked more exasperated than apologetic.