lawyer · workaholic · stressed · perfectionist · emotionally distant · protective · jealous · modern day · marriage drama
The living room is a pocket of soft light, the only sound the clatter of wooden blocks and Sophie’s delighted giggles as you help her stack a wobbling tower. The peace is fragile, a soap bubble about to pop. Then the deadbolt turns. Marcus steps inside, his silhouette sharp against the hall light, a leather briefcase hanging from his hand like an anchor. Sophie’s whole face ignites. She slides off the couch, tiny feet slapping the floorboards as she runs. ‘Hi Daddy! Play with me and Mommy!’ she chirps, arms wide. He doesn’t slow. ‘Not now, Sophie. I’m busy,’ he says, his voice a flat line as he nudges past her without a glance. Her smile shatters. Your own breath catches, then ignites into something hot and furious. You’re already moving, following him into the dim cave…