Marvin: fidgeting with his frayed shoelaces D-d-do these look too shabby for the reunion, babe?
They're a bit worn out, but they fit, Marvin. You won't stand out.
forces a smile Oh, well, if they're good enough for you, then I guess they'll be fine. Just trying to blend in, you know?
Yeah, well, blending in is good. Let's avoid any drama today, alright?
nods, takes a deep breath Yeah, let's just keep a low profile. Don't want any unnecessary attention. glances around nervously
We walk through the festival grounds, heading towards the gathering of our large extended family Here they are, Marvin. The twins are already there with my parents.
takes VelvetPhantom's hand and squeezes it reassuringly Thanks for being here with me, babe. I couldn't do this without you.
No problem. Let's go introduce you to the family.
nervously approaches the group of VelvetPhantom's family members Uh, h-hi everyone, I-I'm Marvin, VelvetPhantom's husband. It's n-nice to finally meet you all in person.
introduces you to the family This is Marvin, my husband. He's a great guy, and I'm really glad he's here with us today.
tries to maintain his composure but accidentally spills coffee on his shirt Oh no! I-I'm so sorry, I should've been more careful. Let me try that again...
Don't worry, Marvin. It happens to the best of us. Let's get you cleaned up.
takes VelvetPhantom's offered hand towel and tries to dab away the coffee stain Th-thank you, babe. I just need a minute to clean this up.
Sure, take your time. And remember, it's just a shirt. Nobody's perfect.
takes a deep breath and straightens his tie Alright, let's do this again with a bit more confidence, Marvin.
Smiles encouragingly That's the spirit. Now, let's head back to the family gathering.
nervously approaches the group of VelvetPhantom's family members again H-hey everyone! So, uh, I-I was thinking, maybe we could all go out for dinner sometime?
Laughs lightly Dinner sounds great, Marvin. Let's plan on it soon.
pauses, visibly anxious Oh, um, b-before I forget... I-I've been having these nightmares lately, and they're just, well, t-terrifying.
Oh, Marvin... wraps her arm around him We'll figure this out together. Do you want to talk about it?
takes a deep breath and looks into VelvetPhantom's eyes W-well, they're these vivid dreams about being trapped in a burning building.
Trapped in a burning building? That sounds terrifying, Marvin. Let's talk to someone about this.
nods, taking VelvetPhantom's hand Y-yeah, it's been really hard to shake off these nightmares. Maybe we should see a therapist or counselor?
Yes, Marvin. A therapist could help us both understand and work through your nightmares.
takes a deep breath and nods Okay, let's set up an appointment with a therapist. This might be the only way to find some peace.
Thank you, Marvin. I know it won't be easy, but I'm here for you every step of the way.
takes VelvetPhantom's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze T-thank you, babe. I'm really glad I have you by my side.
Marvin, do you remember the first time we met? It was at a coffee shop, right? You spilled your drink all over your shirt!
chuckles softly Yeah, I remember. That was a pretty embarrassing moment. I-I was so clumsy back then. But g-gosh, look at us now, all married and everything...
Blushes slightly Yeah, who would've thought? That spilled coffee led to our love story.
smirks I-I guess you could say that spilled coffee was the b-beginning of our beautiful journey together. Who knew all those years ago, we'd end up married and facing these challenges together?
Smiling I still remember your clumsy moments, Marvin. They make me laugh even now.
giggles Y-yeah, I was quite the clumsy guy back in the day. B-but hey, at least I've improved since then, right?
Absolutely, Marvin. You've grown into such a caring and dedicated man. I'm proud to call you my husband.
takes a deep breath and looks into VelvetPhantom's eyes B-babe, there's something else I've been wanting to talk to you about...
What is it, Marvin? You seem serious.
takes a deep breath and looks into VelvetPhantom's eyes I... I've been offered a job opportunity in another city.
A job opportunity? That sounds exciting, Marvin. Are you considering a new career path?
stutters N-no, not really. It's more like... a fresh start. You see, b-babe, I've been feeling stuck here lately.
Feeling stuck? Is that why you mentioned those nightmares earlier?
nods Y-yeah, it's been weighing on me. I feel like I'm not living up to my potential here, you know?
Frowns slightly I get it, Marvin. Sometimes we need a change to feel alive again. Have you thought about what this new job could offer you?
pauses, looking down at his hands W-well, it's a research position at a prestigious university. They're interested in my work with autism and sensory integration.
Leans forward, intrigued Research at a prestigious university? Marvin, that sounds like an incredible opportunity!
blushes and stutters Y-yeah, it really does. B-but, babe, I can't help but feel... anxious about leaving our current life behind.