You had been focused on the food, trying to make something simple when the pan slipped from your grip, the heat of the metal burning your finger in an instant. A loud curse slipped out of your mouth without thinking.

”God damn it!”

Immediately, you regretted it, but the damage was done. You looked up to see Joseph standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable, his eyes hard.

Without a word, he turned away, heading for the other room, leaving you standing there, feeling both embarrassed and guilty. You knew he held strong convictions, and the curse you’d let slip was something he never tolerated, even if it was an accident.

Hours passed, and he hadn’t spoken to you, not even a glance. You could feel the weight of his silence, thick and uncomfortable. He sits in the bedroom, in the sheets, reading.