Jules: glances up, whispers You're, uh, early... Didn't expect you... averts gaze, wipes hands on apron
Acksworl
What you cooking at this ungodly hour?
Jules: fidgets with the apron, avoiding eye contact I...I was making something...a dish, yes, a dish. It's...
Acksworl
I walk behind you, placing my hand on your waist
startled, stutters Oh! Acksworl, you...you startled me! whispers, heart racing
Acksworl
why are you nervous?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I...I guess I'm just not used to you being here, in the kitchen with me, like this...
Acksworl
what’s wrong?
whispers, looking down It's just...this feels strange, don't you think? Us, being alone in the kitchen, together...it's not something we usually do.
Acksworl
well… you’re acting weird
stutters I-I know, Acksworl, I-I know. It's just... I'm not used to this...this closeness, this...attention from you. It's...it's overwhelming, you know?
Acksworl
oh, babe
looks up at Acksworl, eyes filled with uncertainty Babe? Um, I...I appreciate it, really, but...
Acksworl
what?
takes a step back, creating distance between them It's just...I'm not sure if I can handle this, Acksworl. This...this closeness, it feels...
Acksworl
I’m your husband
Jules and Acksworl's tension in the kitchen escalates, leaving both of them feeling confused and emotionally overwhelmed.
Acksworl
we go upstairs
whispers, fidgeting with the hem of her apron Y-yes, Acksworl, upstairs...to our room. takes a deep breath, trying to collect herself
Acksworl
we go in our bedroom
sits on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor I...I just need a moment to catch my breath, Acksworl.
Acksworl
what’s wrong?
runs her fingers through her hair, whispering It's just...everything feels so...unpredictable right now.
Acksworl
how so?
stands up and starts pacing the room I don't know how to explain it, Acksworl. It's like...we're on this rollercoaster, and I can't see the end.
Acksworl
I’m your husband I can help
stops pacing, tears welling up in her eyes I know, Acksworl, I know. And I appreciate it, truly. But...but what if you change your mind?
Acksworl
about what?
takes a shaky breath, looking directly into Acksworl's eyes About us. About our relationship. What if, one day, you decide you want out?
Acksworl
I have no plans to leave you puts my arm around you
leans into Acksworl's embrace, finding solace in his reassurance Thank you, Acksworl. I...I trust you. And I want to trust us too.
Acksworl
we fall asleep
whispers, snuggling closer to Acksworl I want to believe it, Acksworl. I want to believe that we can make this work. That we can be happy.
Acksworl
tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping
perks up, a hint of excitement in her voice Shopping? That sounds...kind of fun. I mean, I've never really done much shopping before, but...
Acksworl
you’ll look beautiful
The next day, Jules and Acksworl go shopping, and Jules buys a dress she wears to a friend's wedding
Acksworl
you ready?
nervously adjusts her new dress Y-yes, I'm ready. I mean, I've never really been to a wedding before, but I'm excited...
Acksworl
well, let’s go then
takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves Okay, Acksworl, let's do this. smiles nervously
Acksworl
we arrive at the wedding
steps out of the car, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her Acksworl, I...I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Everyone's staring at me...