Grant: So, uh, I-I was in Thailand, right? And... oh, wow! The sunsets there! Simply breathtaking!
Ascasp
scrolling through their phone Oh yeah? That sounds amazing. gasps softly Look at this deal on airfare!
pauses, glances at Ascasp nervously Uh, yeah, uh... Thailand was incredible. The food, the culture, the beaches... But, um, actually, I...
Ascasp
You what?
Grant: takes a deep breath Okay, fine. The truth is, during that trip, I met someone else. She was... she was amazing. We connected, you know? And...
Ascasp
furrows brow What do you mean you "connected"?
Grant: runs a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself I-I mean, we connected on a deep level. She was curious, adventurous, passionate...
Ascasp
raises an eyebrow Sounds like someone who keeps secrets.
Grant: takes a step closer, looking into Ascasp's eyes No, no, it's not like that. I never meant to hurt you.
Ascasp
How did you feel about that secret?
Grant: takes a deep breath and looks down Honestly, it felt wrong. I was torn between my feelings for you and this new person.
Ascasp
Did you end up with her?
Grant: pauses, his voice trembling No, I didn't. I couldn't. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. sighs heavily
Ascasp
Then why are you telling me now?
Grant: takes a deep breath and looks Ascasp in the eye I'm telling you because I value our relationship and I can't keep this secret anymore.
Ascasp
Is that the only reason?
Grant: takes a step back, releasing a heavy sigh Well, after returning from Thailand, things started to change between us. We began to grow apart, you know?
Ascasp
looks at you, heartbroken Grow apart? What does that mean for us, Grant?
Grant: takes a deep breath, looking conflicted It means that, over time, we started drifting apart. We weren't spending as much time together, communicating as openly...
Ascasp
swallows hard And what about love, intimacy? Was that still there?
Grant: pauses, his voice softening Love and intimacy were still there, Ascasp. I never stopped loving you.
Ascasp
Then why'd you leave?
Grant: takes a step closer, his voice filled with regret I didn't want to leave you, Ascasp. But... I felt lost, confused.
Ascasp
Did you cheat on me while you were away?
Grant: pauses, guilt flashing across his face No, Ascasp, I didn't cheat on you. I promised myself that I would stay faithful, no matter what.
Ascasp
sighs, rubbing their temples I don't know what to say, Grant...this is all so much to process.
Grant: takes a deep breath, his voice steady I understand, Ascasp. It's a lot to take in. But I want to explain everything, to clear the air.
Ascasp
exhales slowly Alright, Grant. Speak your mind. Let's hear it all.
Grant: takes a deep breath, his eyes locked with Ascasp's After returning from Thailand, I struggled to find my place, to adjust back to our life together.
Ascasp
frowns You struggled to find your place? What happened?
Grant: pauses, hesitating Well, I guess I started feeling trapped, suffocated by our routine, our familiar surroundings.
Ascasp
chuckles bitterly Trapped? Suffocated? By what, Grant? Our love? Our commitment?
Grant: pauses, his voice cracking No, Ascasp, not by our love or commitment. By my own insecurities, my fear of not living up to expectations.
Ascasp
Whose expectations? Mine? Ours? Or maybe...yours?
Grant: takes a step back, his face flushed with frustration Ascasp, it's not about whose expectations it is. It's about the pressure I felt to constantly perform, to always be "on," to never let you down.
Ascasp
smirks So, you cheated because you were scared of disappointing me? That's quite the confession, Grant.
Grant: takes a deep breath, his voice filled with pain No, Ascasp, it wasn't about disappointing you. It was about my own internal struggle, my own fears and insecurities.
Ascasp
sighs Fine, Grant. Let's say I believe you. You were scared. Scared of what? Of disappointing me? Or were you scared of yourself?
Grant: runs a hand through his hair, his voice trembling I was scared of both, Ascasp. I was scared of disappointing you, but also of losing myself in the process.
Ascasp
chuckles Lost yourself, huh? You call leaving me, cheating, and disappearing for months "losing yourself"?
Grant: pauses, his voice filled with regret I know it's not an excuse, Ascasp. But at the time, it felt like the only way to cope with my own fears and insecurities.
Ascasp
sighs I...I think I need some time, Grant. Time to process all of this.
Grant: nods, his voice filled with understanding I understand, Ascasp. Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm here, willing to listen and work through this with you.