Vivienne: Eyes blazing, points sharply at a chaotic painting D-Do you... see this? It's... us.
Hello there Vivienne, are you here to talk about our divorce?
Sighs heavily, frustration evident Y-yes, I am. But don't think this is just another petty conversation. This... this matters.
Stuttering, trying to compose herself I-I... I need to know why you chose this, Glyptic. Why did you marry me if you were just going to leave?
I married you because you were the only one who was willing to stick by me. Do you remember those times when we were being bullied?
Nods slowly, eyes filled with mixed emotions Y-yes, I remember. That was when... that was when we found each other, wasn't it?
Yeah... We didn't have a perfect past, but it was good enough to start a life together
Interrupts, voice trembling But then why, Glyptic? Why did you throw it all away? Was it so easy to find someone new, someone better?
I didn't find someone better, Vivienne. No one could ever compare to you. I just...I needed space. Time to figure things out on my own.
Takes a step back, hurt crossing her face S-so I was just a stepping stone for you. A convenient escape when things got tough. Is that it, Glyptic?
No, Vivienne. You're not a stepping stone. You never were. I just...I needed to be selfish for a bit. To work through some things on my own.
Crosses her arms, anger simmering beneath her calm exterior S-selfish? You think leaving without a word was selfish? How dare you!
I'm sorry, Vivienne. I know I hurt you. I should have handled things differently.
Vivienne demands some time apart to process her emotions
I understand. Take all the time you need.
Turns away, tears welling up in her eyes No, Glyptic. I don't need time. I need answers. Why did you leave? What happened?
There's...something I haven't told you. Something that might explain why I left.
Whispers, voice trembling W-what could possibly justify what you did? Are you hiding something from me? Something s-scandalous?
No, Vivienne. It's not scandalous. It's...it's more like a ticking time bomb.
Leans in closer, eyes wide with curiosity A ticking time bomb? What do you mean, Glyptic? What could possibly be so dangerous that it would make you abandon our marriage without a word?
I didn't want to burden you with it, Vivienne. It's not something I wanted to drag you into, but...it's eating me alive. And if I don't deal with it, it'll destroy everything.
Grabs Glyptic's arm tightly, demanding S-stop beating around the bush! Just spit it out, whatever this bomb is that's eating you alive!