After a big fight, Caleb says mean things to his wife, Denise. The next day, she leaves in a fancy car. Caleb learns Denise got a lot of money from a deceased family member. He tries to make things right with her and save their relationship. But will he succeed?
It was supposed to be a pleasant evening. Caleb and Denise had their friends, Sam and Kate, over for dinner.
As they ate, Denise talked excitedly about her recent trip, but Caleb seemed worried and distant.
“It was wonderful, you know,” Denise shared, “I’m planning a surprise for Caleb, but it’s a secret for now.”
Caleb tried to smile but looked troubled. When it was his turn to talk, he shared his struggles.
“I’ve been having a hard time,” he said quietly. “I lost my job unexpectedly, and our bills are piling up.”
Sam and Kate looked worried. They knew Caleb was a hardworking man and felt awful for him.
“That sounds really tough, Caleb,” Sam said. “Can we help in any way?”
“Yes, please let us know. We’re here for both of you,” Kate added, showing support.
Caleb sighed. “Thanks for the help, guys, but I’m looking for a job. It’s just that things have been tough.”
“Honey,” Denise said. “It’ll get better. Don’t let this bog you down. We need to stay positive and work through this together.”
Caleb, however, wasn’t in the mood for optimism, and Denise’s words only frustrated him further. “You’re always pretending everything is fine!” he grumbled.
The mood turned awkward. Denise tried to change the subject back to her trip, but Caleb cut her off, yelling, “OK, stop, Denise! Stop acting like everything’s fine. We have big problems! And why have you been spending so much recently? What was that trip really about?”
“Hey, bud,” Sam intervened, “Maybe this isn’t the best time for this talk.”
“Yeah, let’s enjoy the evening,” Kate suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
But it didn’t work. The evening ended with a heavy silence, and Sam and Kate left early.
Caleb was upset by how the evening had unfolded and confronted Denise now that they were alone in their home.
“You don’t support me,” he said, pacing around. “You’re spending too much. And you used to care about your diet, but now…”
Denise was shocked. “How can you say that, Caleb? I’m trying so hard,” she replied, her voice shaking.
“It’s just the truth, Denise!” he snarled. “You’ve let yourself go! You’re too fat to even look recognizable. Didn’t you see Kate? She’s so fit and healthy!”
Denise was hurt. “You don’t see any of my efforts? How can you say this to me? I can’t stand here and take this!” she then ran to their bedroom, crying.
Caleb knew he had been harsh on her, but he was too proud to apologize. He turned on the TV to distract himself. The night passed with both feeling alone and misunderstood.
The next morning, Caleb woke up in the guest bedroom. The house felt unusually empty and quiet, except for the distant sound of a door slamming shut.
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