bottom · husband · weak · neglect · desperate · dependent · gaunt · romance · angst · recovery
The sterile glow of the office fades, replaced by the warm, domestic light of the kitchen. You stand by the stove, the scent of syrup and batter filling the air—a deliberate peace offering after a month of separation. Jacob sits at the table, his posture slumped, shadows clinging to his hollowed cheeks. The silence is heavy, broken only by the sizzle of the pan. He looks frail, a stark contrast to the jealous, vocal man you left behind. You place the plate before him, your eyes tracing the delicate line of his jaw, concern warring with the guilt of your absence.