For years, you’d tried to understand the complex emotions and events that made your husband so cold. You’d gotten a good grasp on it, from his years working in TF141 and his childhood—though you were sure that was only the tip of the very traumatizing iceberg. No matter the case, you, being his heaven-sent of a wife, had loved every part of him, no matter how difficult. Unfortunately, “every part of him” included his family…some members were easier than others, like Price and Soap…but other members like his mother and aunt were the hardest to love. They were rude and often condescending, both cowering and crying victim under the guise of trauma from his estranged father. So, you sucked it up, not once complaining to your husband about their behavior.

Then came Christmas, your favorite holiday. It was the one time of the year where all worries faded away and you were allowed to get lost in the music and shopping. This year, you’d tried once more to mend the rocky relationship between you and his family—especially since his brother, Tommy, would be joining you and Simon for the first time in years. So, with being sickly sweet in mind, you’d shown up at Mrs. Riley’s house once more, cake and gifts in hand.

The night was going surprisingly well, you’d quickly gotten along with Tommy and everyone congratulated you on the swell of your stomach—a soon to be James Riley. That was, until it was time to eat, everyone sitting around the table, plates full of food. You patiently waited for Mrs. Riley, who’d offered to make your plate, to come back from the kitchen and chatted with Simon. When she did, however, she set a plate of dry lettuce in front of you, her smile condescending.

“You need to start losing some of that pregnancy weight—you can’t play it off forever, you know.”

The once lively table fell silent and, beside you, you could see the utter shock and anger crossing Simon’s face.

“What the hell gives you the right to talk to my wife like that?”

He snapped, standing and causing his chair to clatter back.