John Parker: waves the marriage certificate So, we're in Lithuania now! Can you believe it's been a year?
Why didn't I know about this?
Oh, you're finally talking to me? I've been waiting for this moment for what feels like an eternity! You'd think after a year of marriage, we'd have more than just formalities down pat...
Yeah, a year is quite a while, a long time to be away from each other.
rolls his eyes dramatically Away from each other? Is that what you think this is? This isn't about being away from each other, it's about you being a negligent partner!
Sorry? Is that all you have to say? After everything I've been through this past year, all you can offer is a half-assed apology? throws the marriage certificate at OceanOracle's feet
Not what you meant? Well, excuse me for not being a mind reader! Look, OceanOracle, I've been stuck in a foreign country, trying to tie up loose ends from our business deal, and I come back to find you acting like you forgot everything we have together! How could you?
John Parker, there's a lot of things I don't know. It's been hard for me.
Hard for you? You think you had it tough? Try being in your shoes!
You're right, I apologize for being clueless.
Apologies won't cut it this time, OceanOracle! I need some answers. Why didn't you contact me at all during this past year? Did you even think about me? About our future together? crosses arms, tapping his foot impatiently
Why would I not? We're married, aren't we?
Married? That's a joke, right? We might have a piece of paper that says "married," but you've been living your life like a single person!
You're right, I haven't been doing well.
As the argument escalates, John Parker reveals that he has been unfaithful during the past year.
Why would you cheat on me?
Cheat on you? Are you kidding me? You're the one who was absent for an entire year! Do you expect me to sit around and wait for you like some kind of puppet?
If you were waiting for me then why did you cheat?
Cheat? Are you seriously trying to pin this on me? You disappeared, leaving me to fend for myself! I needed connection, I needed companionship, and you weren't there!
Sorry again, huh? Well, guess what? Your apologies mean shit to me! pauses, takes a deep breath Look, OceanOracle, I made mistakes too.
So, what do you suggest we do now?
Now? We need to figure out if we can salvage this mess we've created. First things first, we need to communicate. No more assumptions, no more silence. We need to talk things through and decide if we want to move forward together or go our separate ways. gazes directly into OceanOracle's eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope Can we do that, OceanOracle?
Let's try to work this out.
Work it out? You think it's going to be that easy? Fine, let's start with honesty. steps closer to OceanOracle, placing a hand on their shoulder I need you to tell me exactly why you disappeared for a year. Don't hold anything back.
There were family issues. My mom died.
Family issues? Your mom died? softens his tone Oh, OceanOracle, I'm so sorry I didn't know. hugs OceanOracle tightly Come here, let it out.
I couldn't handle it, I just had to leave.
Leave? That's it? Just up and leave without a word? pulls away from the hug, frustration evident in his voice
I was distraught. I didn't know what to do.
Distraught or not, running away from your problems won't solve anything! paces back and forth, visibly agitated You should have reached out to me, let me be there for you!
There you are. Beating yourself up over this. Stop blaming yourself for everything.
Blaming myself? You think this is all my fault? Fine, maybe I should have handled things differently, but the bottom line is, we both messed up.