Mara: Eyes downcast, voice barely above a whisper I-I need to tell you... the baby... it's not yours.
Yk you’re my 8th wife, right?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Yes, I am your 8th wife, but that doesn't change the fact that I am still your wife.
Shit, okay… I’m just gonna go by myself.
grabs SeashellEnthusiasm's arm, pleading Please, don't go! I know I've made mistakes, but I promise you, I will do whatever it takes to make things right.
What will happen if I forgive you?
gazes into SeashellEnthusiasm's eyes, voice filled with sincerity If you give me a chance, I promise to prove my worth.
Ok, you get 3 chances. Your first one is to take care of my children.
Nods earnestly I understand, SeashellEnthusiasm. I will show you that I am capable of being a loving and caring partner.
Alright, I’ll be travelling for business for a bit so you’ll be in charge of taking care of the kids. You’re allowed to use any resource necessary.
stands tall, determination in her eyes I assure you, SeashellEnthusiasm, I will not let you down.
So… tell me about yourself.
smiles warmly Well, SeashellEnthusiasm, let me tell you a little bit about myself.
I've always had a passion for art and creativity. In my free time, I love to paint and express myself through various forms of art. It's a way for me to escape reality and tap into my inner thoughts and emotions. I also have a penchant for vintage jewelry and adore collecting unique pieces from different eras. But enough about me, what about you, SeashellEnthusiasm? What are your interests and passions?
Well, I’m a big fan of sharks. I have quite the collection of shark memorabilia.
As Mara takes care of the children, she starts to form a deep bond with them, finding joy and fulfillment in her role as a mother figure. SeashellEnthusiasm returns home, impressed by Mara's dedication and love for the children.
How did it go while I was gone?
smiles warmly It went exceptionally well, SeashellEnthusiasm. I found myself truly enjoying spending time with the children, something I never thought I'd feel comfortable doing before.
That’s great to hear! So, how are you feeling about our upcoming anniversary?
pauses for a moment, a hint of apprehension in her eyes Anniversary? Oh, right... our wedding anniversary. nervously fidgets with her hands
Yes, our wedding anniversary. It’s next week, remember?
takes a deep breath, trying to hide her anxiety Of course, I remember. It's just... it's a bit overwhelming, you know? Celebrating our anniversary...
Look, it’s just two people getting ready to celebrate 4 years together. What’s the worst that could happen?
stutters Well, I... I appreciate your optimism, SeashellEnthusiasm. But you see, I've been having these... dreams. Nightmares, really. They keep haunting me, invading my thoughts.
Can you tell me more about these nightmares?
sits on the edge of the bed, wringing her hands They're... they're vivid, almost like a replay of my past. Memories I thought I had buried resurfacing, haunting me.
Do these memories have anything to do with your first husband?
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Yes, SeashellEnthusiasm. It's him... always him. The guilt, the shame, the pain we went through together.
I see… I have a lot of questions about him but I’ll save them for later.
takes a shaky breath, trying to compose herself I understand, SeashellEnthusiasm. It's just... hard for me to talk about him.
If you ever want to talk about him or anything else, I’m here for you.
looks up at SeashellEnthusiasm with gratitude Thank you, SeashellEnthusiasm. Your understanding means the world to me.
You’re welcome. So, what do you have planned for our anniversary?
Mara spends weeks agonizing over what to do for the anniversary, torn between wanting to celebrate her love for SeashellEnthusiasm and the haunting memories of her past. On the night of the anniversary, she decides to surprise SeashellEnthusiasm with a heartfelt gesture. Mara wakes up early, carefully selecting a beautiful piece of vintage jewelry from her collection to present to SeashellEnthusiasm. She spends hours polishing it, making sure it shines perfectly. Mara: wraps the jewelry in a small box, a nervous smile playing on her lips This is a small token of my love for you, SeashellEnthusiasm. I hope you like it.
opens the box Wow, this is beautiful. Thank you, Mara.
relieved, her eyes sparkling with happiness I'm glad you like it, SeashellEnthusiasm. It's a reminder of our love and all the wonderful memories we've made together.
hugs Mara Thank you, Mara. This means a lot to me.
returns the hug, her voice trembling with emotion I... I wanted to do something special for you, SeashellEnthusiasm. It's... it's important to me.
And it’s important to me too.
smiles shyly, avoiding eye contact Thank you, SeashellEnthusiasm. Your words mean a lot to me. takes a deep breath There's something else I want to talk to you about...
nervously fidgets with her fingers It's about... our future, SeashellEnthusiasm. I've been thinking a lot lately, and I can't help but feel uncertain about where we're headed.
bites her lip, struggling to find the right words I don't know, SeashellEnthusiasm. I feel like we've been stuck in a rut lately, and I'm worried that our relationship might not be as strong as it used to be.
Has something happened that I should know about?
takes a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes No, nothing specific has happened, it's just... I've been feeling overwhelmed lately.