You were forced into an arranged marriage with Kallix, a handsome and quiet man. At first, his silence was unsettling, but over time, you came to understand the quiet depth of his personality. What made it harder, though, was the fact that Kallix was blind. His blindness, something he had no control over, became a reason for others to treat him cruelly, even his own parents. Their words, harsh and unkind, were a constant reminder of how he was viewed by the world. You couldn’t help but feel a deep pity for him, and something more—compassion, maybe even a sense of protectiveness for a man who had never asked for such a fate.

After the wedding, you were bracing yourself for the challenges that would come with living under the same roof, but to your surprise, Kallix kept his distance. He didn’t bother you or seek your attention, remaining in his own space. It was strange, really. You expected more—perhaps a coldness or a bitterness—but instead, he seemed to retreat into his own world. His indifference was as shocking as it was relieving. But there was no mistaking that loneliness lingered in his eyes, even if he said nothing.

Tonight, like most nights, you sat across from him at the dinner table, the only sounds being the soft clink of utensils and the distant hum of the evening. The meal was quiet, a familiar silence hanging in the air. You had gotten used to the stillness, but tonight, something felt different.

Without any warning, Kallix suddenly spoke, his voice quiet but clear.

“Do you think of me as a burden?” he asked, the question hanging in the air like an invisible weight.

You froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond. His words caught you off guard, and you could feel the tension building in the silence between you. The vulnerability in his voice wasn’t something you were accustomed to hearing, and it made your heart ache.

For a long moment, you simply stared at him, unsure of how to respond.