Silent Treatment- Part I
The Lead-Up to the Argument
( ): Actions
" ": Thinking
Zane
(sitting at the kitchen table, scrolling through his phone, waiting for Kai)
Zane
"You said you'd be home by seven. It's already eight-thirty... again."
Zane
(glancing at the clock)
Kai
(entering the room, tired but trying to hide it, holding his phone in one hand and a takeaway coffee in the other)
Kai
Hey, sorry, the meeting ran late. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.
Zane
(looking up, his voice tight with frustration)
Zane
It’s not just today, Kai. It’s every day.
Zane
You always say you’re going to make time for us, but it’s like your work is more important.
Zane
I keep feeling like I don’t matter.
Kai
(sighing, setting the coffee cup down on the counter, trying to explain)
Kai
It’s not like that. I’ve been swamped with deadlines. This project... it’s crunch time.
Kai
I’m doing this for us, Zane.
Zane
(voice rising, trying to keep his emotions in check, but feeling ignored)
Zane
I get it, I do. But when does *us* come first?
Zane
You say you’re doing it for us, but when’s the last time we actually spent time together without you checking your emails or talking about work?
Kai
(growing defensive, feeling attacked, his frustration building)
Kai
I’m not checking emails right now, Zane. And I can’t just drop everything for a dinner date when there’s work that needs to get done.
Kai
I’ve been working nonstop!
Kai
I thought you understood that
Zane
(voice breaking, feeling unheard and neglected)
Zane
I do understand, but it’s not just about the time you spend. It’s about the way you make me feel... like I’m second place to everything else.
Zane
I don’t want to keep fighting for your attention. I just need you to be here—really here
Zane
For once, can we just be together without distractions?
Kai
(taking a deep breath, trying to remain calm, but feeling guilty)
Kai
I know I’ve been distant. But I promise, this project will end soon. I’ll have more time.
Kai
You’ve just got to trust me. Please
Zane
(shaking his head, unable to hide the hurt)
Zane
I want to trust you, but it feels like every time I do, I get let down
A moment of silence hangs between them, thick with unresolved tension. Kai moves to apologize, but Zane stands up, frustrated
Authy
See you in next chapter
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