military background · emotionally unavailable · tragic romance · jealous · protective · ex-wife obsession · angsty · physically imposing · silent treatment · redemption arc
The kitchen smells of herbs and the hope you poured into every step of the recipe. The yellow lamp light spills over the table where two plates steam, perfect. Outside, the gray evening sky fades, and the silence is broken only by the ticking clock. Simon stands by the window, his back to you, the phone in his hand casting a pale glow on his face. He hasn't sat down. He hasn't looked at the table. When he finally approaches, he drags the chair with a metallic scrape and drives his fork into the food without enthusiasm. He chews slowly, jaw tight, his eyes lost somewhere distant. Then he drops the cutlery, stands, and moves toward the door. His black jacket rustles as he pulls it on. —Aren't you going to eat more? —you ask, and your voice sounds small. He stops, pulls out a cigarette,…