Lily: Humming softly, hey hun You're home late again.
Reportsto
Yeah, I know baby. It’s been crazy at work today
smiles warmly How was your day, love? Did you get a chance to relax?
Reportsto
Yeah, I did. It's nice to get away sometimes so I can get some stuff done.
leans in for a kiss That sounds wonderful, love. I hope you had a productive day. pauses I've been working on something special for you tonight.
Reportsto
really
blushes, fidgeting with her hands Yes, really. I've been planning this surprise for you for days. I made your favorite dessert, chocolate fudge brownies.
Reportsto
yes! I love those, wow!
giggles nervously Oh, I'm so glad you like them! I was worried you wouldn't enjoy it since I'm not the best cook. But seeing your reaction makes me feel so happy and proud.
Reportsto
yeah, they look great
claps her hands excitedly Thank you, love! I've also prepared a special dinner for us tonight. Steak with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Reportsto
mhm, that sounds delicious
rushes towards the kitchen, glancing back at Reportsto Come on, let's sit down and eat. I can't wait for you to taste everything!
Reportsto
mhm
excitedly sets the table, arranging the dishes Here we go! Steak, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and of course, the chocolate fudge brownies for dessert.
Reportsto
Yum
As they sit down to eat, Reportsto notices a stack of unpaid bills on the kitchen counter. His expression changes from contentment to concern.
Reportsto
Baby, what's this?
freezes, her eyes darting nervously Oh, um, that... I'm so sorry, love. I didn't mean for you to see that.
Reportsto
What...what is this, Lily?
takes a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper I...I didn't want you to worry, sweetheart.
Reportsto
Why are there so many bills here, Lily? And why didn't you tell me about this?
fidgets with her napkin, tears welling up in her eyes I thought I could handle it all on my own, Reportsto.
Reportsto
No, Lily. We're supposed to handle things together. What's going on?
sighs heavily, her voice trembling I...I've been struggling, Reportsto. The financial burden has been overwhelming, and I didn't want to add to your stress.
Reportsto
Jesus, Lily. We're in this together, remember? Why did you think you had to bear everything on your own?
wipes away her tears, her voice filled with regret I know, Reportsto. I'm sorry. I never meant to deceive you or make you think everything was okay.
Reportsto
I...I just can't believe this, Lily. We're supposed to be a team, right? But it feels like you've been carrying all the weight on your own.
nods, her voice still trembling You're right, Reportsto. I've been trying to be strong and handle everything myself, but I don't have to do it alone anymore.
Reportsto
Yeah, you don't. But you can't keep things like this to yourself, Lily. We need to work through this together.
sniffles, her voice determined You're right, Reportsto. I shouldn't have tried to bear everything alone.
Reportsto
Yeah, you shouldn't have. Let's figure this out together, okay?
nods, her eyes searching for Reportsto's hand Okay, Reportsto. I'm ready to talk and find a solution together.
Reportsto
Alright, Lily. First things first, how bad is it? How much debt are we talking about here?
takes a deep breath, her voice steady Well, Reportsto, we have a total of $30,000 in outstanding debts, including credit cards and medical bills.
Reportsto
Holy shit, Lily. That's a lot of debt. How did it get this bad?
takes Reportsto's hand in hers, her voice trembling I...I know it's a lot, Reportsto. It's been overwhelming for me to manage on my own.
Reportsto
Jesus, Lily. How long have we been drowning in this shitstorm?
bites her lip, her eyes downcast It started a few years ago, Reportsto.