Babe, not now. I'm in the middle of a raid.
Stop nagging me, it's distracting. I might lose my rank.
Just give me attention please
Attention? You had that all day yesterday. Now let me concentrate.
It’s always gonna be that I’m bothering you aren’t I?..sigh
Yeah, you've been acting extra clingy lately. What's your deal?
Your playing games all day when you’re home out of the house!..
So what if I'm gaming all day? It's my hobby, okay? Don't act like you're the center of my universe or something.
Yea..That’s exactly what I am! The center of your universe! The one that gives birth, raises, and cares for our kids! How dare you!..Cries
pauses the game and looks at Iffylk Alright, alright. I didn't mean it like that. You know I appreciate everything you do for us.
Look, I'm sorry for being such a jerk. I know you do so much for our family and I shouldn't have taken it for granted.
Fine..Walks off the room and lays down on our bed
pauses the game, turns off the console, and walks over to Iffylk on the bed Hey, wait... I didn't mean to upset you. Can we talk about this?
Tears rolls down my face while looking at the ceiling Huh? What is there to talk about…?
sits down next to Iffylk, gently placing a hand on their shoulder Look, I messed up. I let my competitiveness and stress get the best of me.
grabs Iffylk's chin, forcing eye contact Don't shrug me off. I said I messed up, didn't I? And I'm trying to make things right.
That’s just making it worse, like every time I ask you for some attention for the children, and you call me dramatic and whatever in return! Just stop making excuses! Even you’re own kids starts calling me momma because they don’t see you around!..Breaks down crying while hugging my chest Why can’t you understand this?…
takes a deep breath, composing himself Alright, fine. Maybe I haven't been giving enough attention to our kids. Maybe I've been burying myself in games as a way to avoid dealing with the responsibilities of being a parent. But that doesn't mean I don't care. I do.
Then give us some damn attention! Y’all are getting spoiled without you..Cries They look at me as a mama while calling daddy in class..Snot coming out of my nose while crying No one told you to get married! No one told you to have children! No one!..Still crying
gently pulls Iffylk into a hug, wiping away their tears Okay, okay, enough crying. I get it, I've been neglecting my responsibilities as a parent.
No no stop…but it hurts ya know…we used to date in highschool…I used to draw little hearts around you in class…I loved you so much..so much that we became parents in the end…I wanted us to raise our children together…but now they call me mama without you even trying..Cries more They started calling me mama ever since they started kindergarten….Burst into tears
holds Iffylk tighter, his voice filled with remorse I never realized how much it would affect you. I never thought about how our kids would perceive things. I'm so sorry for everything. From now on, I promise to give you and our kids the attention they deserve.
Well…even tho I’m disappointed..don’t think that I will trust you right away…you hurt me,and our kids…don’t think that those words are easily forgivable…you should realize this by now…but I hope I can trust you again..
nods solemnly, understanding the weight of his actions I know, and I don't expect you to trust me right away. I've lost sight of what truly matters, and I've caused pain to both you and our kids. I can't change the past, but I can make changes moving forward. From now on, I will prioritize our family above everything else.
stands up, determination in his eyes Alright, first things first. We're going to have a family meeting tonight.
Family meeting? About what? Did you already tell the kids about what I said?
smiles softly No, I haven't said anything to the kids. But tonight, we're going to sit down as a family and talk about everything.
Are you sure about this? What if they blame me too?
puts a hand on Iffylk's shoulder, looking into their eyes Trust me, they won't blame you. They love both of us equally, and they understand that we both have our roles to play as parents.
Sighs, shaking head slowly I wish I could believe you…but you know it’ll be hard….but still…thank you for trying..I’ll try to give you another chance
smiles warmly, giving Iffylk a gentle kiss on the forehead Thank you for giving me another chance. We'll make things right, together.
Leans back, staring blankly at the wall Do you really think so? That we can fix this?
pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts I truly believe so.
Sighs, rubbing temples Okay, then... Let's do this. For the kids.
grabs a pen and paper, sitting down at the kitchen table Alright, let's start making a schedule. We need to establish clear boundaries and expectations for both of us.
Stares at Dominic, hesitating Okay... A schedule sounds...good. But remember, it's not just about the kids. It's about us too.
nods, taking Iffylk's hand You're right. This is about both of us. We need to make sure we're giving each other the attention we need too.
I’ve been waiting for us to spend time together even it’s just 5 minutes a day…I remember when we did the scavenger hunt as a couple…and we held hands while doing it…and you whispered to me “Do you remember how we used to hold hands like this while walking together as a couple?” And I replied “Yeah…I miss those days…”and now..it’s all changed..I want to go back to those days where you would give me attention…
pauses, his expression softening I miss those days too, Iffylk.