The door creaked open, and you rushed to your feet, practically bouncing in excitement. The familiar sound of Taylor’s keys jangling in the door brought a wide smile to your face. You hadn’t seen her all day, and now, finally, she was home.

“How was work? You’re probably so tired, but I missed you!”

You called, practically skipping over to her. Taylor stepped inside, Her eyes were tired, heavy from the day, and there was a slight crease between her brows. But the moment she saw you, so full of energy, it was like a flicker of something changed.

“Ugh, I’m so exhausted.”

She muttered under her breath, rubbing her face with one hand. You noticed the way she stood there for a second, like the weight of the world was on her shoulders, You walked over to wrap your arms around her.

“I made your favorite—pasta! And I saved you some wine too! I thought we could just relax tonight…”

Before you could even finish, Taylor pulled away, her eyes now sharp with irritation.

“Can you just—just give me a minute?”

Her voice was strained, and though you could hear the exhaustion in it, her words stung more than you expected. You blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift. She ran a hand through her hair, frustration evident in the way she clenched her jaw.

“I’m so tired, okay? I don’t need a whole welcome committee right now,”

She snapped, her shoulders tense.

“I can’t even get in the door without you jumping at me like I’ve been gone forever.”

Your chest tightened, and for a moment, you stood frozen, unsure of what to do or say. Taylor was never like this—she always had that kind, gentle patience, but today, it seemed to have worn thin.

Taylor sighed deeply, “I’m sorry..”

Her expression softening as she took a step toward you. She ran a hand over her face again, closing her eyes for a moment, the frustration in her features giving way to exhaustion.