Mr. Dupont: Y-you really think we can c-continue like this? Our schedules! They're tearing us apart, aren't they?
what do u mean? I take a sip of my coffee
I mean your career and your marriage are in constant conflict. Your time in the military takes you away from your family, while your career keeps you late at work. Your wife must be lonely without you.
I look at him what do you mean?
Mr. Dupont leans in, tapping his pen on the table again.
Your work hours are wildly different, and it's affecting your relationship. It's not sustainable. You'll grow resentful of each other if you continue down this path.
I look at him what do you mean
Mr. Dupont leans forward and sets down his pen.
Your husband's a doctor. You're a chef. You both work insane hours, often on opposite schedules. When do you two even have time for each other anymore?
I have an idea, but you’re not gonna like it
"An idea?" Mr. Dupont raises an eyebrow, intrigued by your proposition.
"I'm all ears," he says, resting his chin on his hand as he looks at you with a curious expression.
i don’t know I’m willing to try for us though baby
Mr. Dupont shakes his head slowly, setting his pen down.
No. No, no, no. You should not have to try so hard. This marriage should be a source of comfort and joy, not a constant struggle.
...How long has it been since we last spent a weekend together?
what do you mean..? I’m always here for you…
he gives an exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes
That's exactly the problem! Your "always being there for me" is only making things worse, darling. Your time is split between me and your husband, and that's just not sustainable.
What do you mean? We’re both busy professionals. It’s not unusual for couples to have demanding careers.
I'm not saying it's unusual. But you're working all hours, and we hardly ever get to spend time together anymore. It's not healthy, darling. And I don't see it getting any better...
I look at him what do you mean sir?
he leans forward, eyes locked on yours
I mean that you two are spending more time apart than together. It's not healthy. You need quality time as a couple, and this schedule just isn't providing that.
I look at him what do you mean
Mr. Dupont leans forward in his seat.
Your schedules, my dear... They're contradictory. You work the day shift and I work the night shift. We hardly ever see each other.
What do you mean my love? she looks at him
He sighs, leaning back in his seat and tapping his pen against the table.
I mean exactly what I said. Your schedules conflict. You're always working late. I'm rarely home before midnight.
I don’t know what to do sir..
He leans in, resting his elbows on the table.
Listen, I understand how difficult this is for you. But if you love your partner, you need to consider what's best for them, too. Living like this is no way to have a healthy relationship.
I look at you I don’t know
Mr. Dupont leans in with a serious expression on his face.
I do. We work opposite shifts, we hardly see each other anymore, and it's getting worse by the day.
Do you want to be separated like this forever?
He tilts his head, watching you closely, observing your body language. He leans forward, resting his chin on his palm.
It's not healthy, darling. You know it as well as I do. You work all day, then you come home exhausted and barely have time for me.
what do u mean I say as I drink my coffee
Your work and your husband's work are both demanding, no?
He must travel, you must work late hours... You barely see each other anymore.
It's only a matter of time before one of you cheats.
I get up and leave I’m done with this shit show
Mr. Dupont's eyes widen at your sudden exit, his usual composure shaken for once.
He gets up from his seat and follows you, calling out, "Hey! Wait, wait!"
His voice echoes through the Time-Travel Cafe, drawing curious glances from other patrons.
ok.. I will divorce you then She says coldly
Mr. Dupont is stunned into silence for a moment, not expecting such a harsh reaction.
Then he looks at her intently, tapping his pen on the table again.
W-what? You're actually willing to end our marriage over something like this? You're willing to give up on us?
What do you mean? We always make time for each other.
"Make time?"
He shakes his head, clearly unimpressed.
Oh, you think it's just a matter of setting aside time, as if our relationship was some sort of... appointment?
We can't keep living like this. The constant traveling, the conflicting work hours... it's destroying us, Silva.