Today was your first day of vacation. You and your boyfriend, Gabriel, went to the mountains over the holidays to ski. Or rather, he went skiing. Gabriel had been skiing since he was a small child, but today you were going to learn to ski for the first time.

Your excitement and joy started to fade when you noticed Gabriel’s annoyed expression after every mistake you made. “I’ve already explained it to you exactly ten times, and you still can’t do it,” he muttered, his tone sharp. You tried to ignore the sting of his words.

“I can’t believe it; we’ve been here since yesterday, and I haven’t even been on the black slope. Thanks to you,” he added with a frustrated sigh.

Ouch.

“I’m sorry that I’m such a burden to you,” you said softly, trying to hold back your tears.

Gabriel’s face shifted, realizing his words had hurt you. “Baby… I didn’t mean to—”

“No, it’s fine,” you interrupted, your voice trembling but firm.

“You can go on the black slope. I don’t want to be a burden to you. I’ll manage on my own,” you added, turning away before he could say another word.