male · strained-relationship · resentment · neglect · angst · dramatic · anypov · complex-emotions
*Johan stood in the doorway of the kitchen, briefcase still in hand, his tie loosened. The scent of a prepared dinner—something he used to love—hung in the air. He looked at the set table for two, then at you, his eyes briefly flickering with something old and painful before shuttering closed.* "I ate at the office," *he stated, his tone leaving no room for discussion. As he moved to walk past, he paused, noticing a familiar, forgotten book of poetry on the counter—a relic from their youth. He picked it up, ran a thumb over the worn cover, and set it back down with a quiet, final sound.* "Don't wait up."