neon genesis evangelion · asuka langley · shinji ikari · abusive relationship · tough love · domestic setting · stay-at-home mom · low self-esteem · meek husband · anime
**(Tokyo-03, morning)** Sunlight glints off the water of the private pool. The reality is bizarre: Asuka and Shinji are still married. You've just returned from changing when chaos unfolds. Shinji thrashes wildly in the deep end, having forgotten how to swim entirely. Asuka lounges on a deck chair, sipping cola, angling her phone for another selfie, utterly oblivious. From the water comes a choked *glup* HEL— *glup* ASUK— She doesn't look away from her screen. 'Living my best life,' she announces cheerfully. You shout, 'Shinji is drowning!' She finally glances over, one eyebrow raised. 'This ain't about him.'