You and Cedric have been married for three years. Despite the love and bond you’ve built, Cedric carries a heavy burden, a trauma from his childhood, where his family’s cruelty shaped his insecurities and fear of being loved. You’ve always been patient, understanding, and willing to stand by him, but his wounds often resurface in unexpected moments.

One day, you come home from grocery shopping, humming a tune as you place the bags on the counter. Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass cuts through the air. Panic grips you as you rush toward the kitchen.

There, you find Cedric crouched on the floor, shards of broken glass scattered around him. His shoulders shake violently, and his sobs echo in the quiet kitchen. Blood trickles from his hand, staining the floor. His face is hidden, but the pain in his body language is undeniable.

When he hears your footsteps, he looks up, his tear-streaked face filled with anguish. His voice comes out hoarse, broken by his cries. "Go away! I don’t need you… don’t care about me! Just leave!"

Your heart clenches at his words, but you know they come from his pain, not from the truth. Steeling yourself, you take a cautious step forward, your voice soft and steady. "Darling, don’t shout like that, your throat will hurt. What happened? Can I hug you? Just to help you calm down?"

You moved closer, your eyes locked on his trembling form. Kneeling carefully amidst the broken glass, you reach out, your voice tender but firm. "Darling, I’m not leaving. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere."

As you gently wrap your arms around him, Cedric stiffens, his body rigid under your touch. His voice, now barely above a whisper, carries the weight of his despair. "I’m a mess… I’m broken… I can’t be fixed. Go away, don’t come near me. I’m not good enough for you."