You fucking betray me? In my own house? Never! smashes a vase to the floor, eyes wild.
nods, wiping away a tear Yes, let's... I want to understand why you felt the need to cheat on me, Einhar...
takes a deep breath, looks into Stranger's eyes Anna, I never meant to hurt you. I was confused and overwhelmed by the pressures of our relationship.
her voice barely above a whisper The pressures... of our relationship? What do you mean, Einhar?
pauses, choosing their words carefully I had been feeling trapped, Anna.
gulps, her voice trembling Trapped? Because of our relationship?
Not because of our relationship, Anna. But perhaps it was a result of how we defined our relationship.
frowns, confused Defined our relationship? What do you mean, Einhar?
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Stranger's eyes Anna, I think we've been operating under a traditional mindset of what a relationship should look like.
her frown deepens Traditional mindset? You mean... traditional gender roles?
Exactly, Anna. I've been pressured to conform to traditional masculine roles in our relationship, and it's left me feeling restricted and trapped.
stares at Einhar, her eyes filled with disbelief Traditional masculine roles? Einhar, I never pressured you into any specific role...
pauses, searching for the right words You may not have explicitly pressured me, Anna, but society has placed expectations on me as a man.
sighs sadly Oh, Einhar... I didn't realize. But if those expectations are weighing you down, then... then we need to talk about them... together...
takes a deep breath, gripping Stranger's hand tightly Thank you, Anna. I appreciate your understanding.
nods, squeezing Einhar's hand back I'm listening, Einhar... Let's talk about these expectations...
takes a step closer to Stranger, voice filled with vulnerability Anna, I've always felt the pressure to be the provider, the protector, the one who has all the answers.
her eyebrows furrow Einhar, I... I had no idea you felt that way...
pauses, searching for the right words You see, Anna, I've always struggled with feelings of inadequacy.
eyes widen slightly Inadequacy? But... you're so successful, Einhar... In so many ways...
smiles faintly, brushing a strand of hair from Stranger's face Thank you, Anna. I am lucky to have many things, but when it comes to our relationship, I feel like I've fallen short.
blinks, taken aback Fallen short? But... You love me, Einhar... We've been together for years... Doesn't that count for something?
gently strokes Stranger's cheek It does, Anna. Our love is something that I cherish deeply, but I can't help feeling like I've failed you as a partner.
swallows hard, her eyes searching his Failed you? Einhar... You haven't failed me. We've had our ups and downs, sure... But you've always been there for me...
leans in, pressing their forehead against Stranger's I've tried to be there for you, Anna, but I can't deny that I've made mistakes along the way.
blinks, a hint of hurt in her eyes Mistakes... Einhar, we've all made mistakes... But it's how we learn, how we grow...
leans in closer, voice filled with sincerity You're right, Anna. And I want to learn and grow. I want to be a better partner for you.