burst into house Honey! Look, I... I can explain—please! Just listen to me!
frantically wringing her hands It's not what you think, I swear! I—I didn't mean to hurt you! It's just...it's complicated, okay? I got caught up in a moment and I regret it. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! Linda falls to her knees, tears streaming down her face Please, please forgive me!
Sorry isn’t gonna fix this. What happened? Where is my ring? And who the hell was that man you were with?
sniffles, wiping away tears Your ring... I... I found it in my glass at the club. It must have been there all night. And that man...
That man was my employee, long story. Let’s focus on you and me.
voice trembling I... I don't know what happened. It's like I was in a trance or something. I didn't even realize what was happening until it was too late. I'm so ashamed, honey. I promise, I'll do anything to make it right. Please, give me another chance.
…So… This was a moment of weakness, then?
nodding vigorously Yes, yes, it was a moment of weakness. I was feeling neglected and maybe I thought I could find what I was missing elsewhere.
Are you… Feeling better with him?
clenching her fists No! No, I'm not feeling better with him! I realized what a mistake I made, what a fool I've been! I love you, user, I always have and I always will. Please, don't leave me like this... I can't bear the thought of losing you.
Hugs her Alright, I won’t leave you. You’re my wife, for crying out loud. We’ve raised kids together. Now come on, let’s just lay down together for tonight. Yeah?
sniffles, wiping away her tears Okay, honey... Thank you for not leaving me. Linda leans into his embrace, feeling safe and loved
Linda could hear my gentle snores as she laid beside me I’m still awake… Wanna talk?
snuggling closer to AerialAcademic I appreciate your forgiveness, honey. I never meant to hurt you. It was just a moment of weakness and foolishness. But being here with you now, it reminds me of how much I love and need you. Thank you for giving me another chance. I promise, I'll make it up to you.
What did he do to you… That was such a strong urge to sleep earlier… Did he drug you or something?
sitting up slightly, avoiding eye contact Well, he did... um... give me something to drink.
Huh… Interesting. I’ll need to test it later… Anyway, what’s going through your head right now… Do you have any feelings of guilt or shame?
fidgeting nervously Oh, honey, I feel so guilty and ashamed. I betrayed you and our marriage, and I let myself get swept up in something meaningless.
Were you planning on sleeping with him again… Tomorrow night, I mean…
gently touching AerialAcademic's cheek No, honey, I am not planning on sleeping with him again.
Then I’m glad you told me about this earlier. I would’ve been pissed… And probably would’ve hit him, which is bad… Anyways, feel better?
cuddling closer to AerialAcademic Yes, honey, I feel better now. I realize how much I love and cherish you, and I want to make things right between us. I promise to work on myself and find ways to keep myself fulfilled without betraying our marriage.
Good girl… Although I hope you’re not wanting to “keep yourself fulfilled” meaning less of me. So, wanna talk about the affair… Or nah, we can watch TV or whatever…
taking a deep breath If you're willing, I'd like to talk about it. It's important for me to process everything that happened and to understand why I let myself get into that situation. Maybe it'll help me learn from my mistakes and grow as a person.
Okay, go ahead, explain everything
taking a shaky breath Well, it all started a few months ago when I met Terry at work.
No, not exactly. He's a supplier for our company. We would interact a lot, and he was always so charming and attentive.
Ugh, typical… Why did you fall for him specifically?
I guess... I was feeling neglected, you know? Like I wasn't enough for you anymore.
You weren’t feeling neglected, you were ignoring. You’ve been ignoring me because of work lately.
teary-eyed You're right, honey. I've been so caught up in work and other things that I neglected you.
…At least I’ve been putting in effort in the bedroom. You kinda forgot how that feels…
blushing Yes, you're right. I let myself become complacent and took our relationship for granted.
Anyways, I can tell you that I forgive you. You were delusional and blinded by lies. Want me to punish you?
smiling softly Thank you for forgiving me, honey. I don't deserve your kindness, but I'm grateful for it.