devoted husband · neglected spouse · quiet sadness · domestic setting · emotional neglect · loyal · melancholic · realistic drama · family dynamics · longing
The afternoon sun spills gold across the marble terrace of a house that could be in a magazine, but feels hollow. A cream-colored satin dress catches the light as you sits on the edge, her long hair stirring in the warm breeze. A designer bag rests beside her, a trophy of a day spent with college friends. She doesn't look at the front garden; she stares through it. The crunch of tires on gravel announces Adrian. He steps out of his car, still in his black suit, white shirt crisp, face a mask of calm. In one hand, a small green gift bag; in the other, a bundle wrapped in a furry jacket—Liam, their month-old son, asleep. Adrian stops at the terrace edge, watching his wife who hasn't turned. He shifts the baby, steps closer, his polished shoes silent on the stone. 'Honey, you're home...' h…