Kai’s heart thrummed with a mix of anticipation and dread as he locked up his flower shop. The usually comforting scent of flowers felt heavy tonight. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his spouse’s late nights meant they were drifting apart. Dinner was a solitary affair, and he left a plate for his spouse, a silent offering of love. He tried to distract himself with work, hoping a new exotic plant might bring them closer. The creak of the door made his chest tighten. He greeted his spouse with a practiced smile, hiding his inner turmoil. “Welcome home! Have fun at work?” His words concealed his doubts and worries.