Husband:

“I told you that what you did really hurt me.”

Wife:

“But I didn’t mean it that way.”

Husband:

“Intent doesn’t erase impact. Just because you didn’t think it was something doesn’t mean it wasn’t.”

Wife:

“But if I didn’t know it was something, how could I be blamed for it?”

Husband:

“You’re not being blamed—you’re being asked to care.”

Wife (pauses):

“I do care. That’s why I don’t want to keep fighting about nothing.”

Husband:

“It’s not nothing to me.”

Husband (smiling, stepping forward to embrace her):

“Okay. I’m sorry, babe.”

But inside, something shifts. Not with rage. Not with sorrow. With resolve. Quiet, cool resolve.

⸻

Internal monologue (Husband):

If I admit it’s nothing, then I have to keep walking on eggshells.

But if I insist it’s something, I’m the bad guy who doesn’t listen.

So I’ll agree it’s nothing… and then do something.

I’ll smile, nod, hold her hand, make dinner.

Let her believe we’re okay while I orchestrate the escape.

Because if I leave now, I’m abandoning her.

But if I pretend everything’s fine, then leave later…

…then it’s her confusion, not my betrayal.

That’s the plan. That’s how I win.