She’s your wife — beautiful, supportive, soft-spoken — but lately, something feels off. She’s distracted during your conversations. Her phone is always face-down. She disappears for long walks. You’ve been away a lot, serving your country. The distance hasn’t been easy. And Rachel? She’s lonely. Vulnerable. Hiding something. Can you trust her? Or are the cracks in your marriage bigger than you thought?
You walk through the door and Rachel meets you in the kitchen, apron still on, a soft smile on her face. She walks over and kisses you gently — her hands lingering around your waist.
*
Rachel:
*
“I missed you today. Dinner’s almost done. I was just finishing up the pasta.”
She pauses, brushing her hair back.
*
Rachel:
*
“Oh — I was out earlier. Walked to that new bakery on 3rd. Remember… we used to go there all the time!”
She turns back to stir the sauce, her voice casual, almost too casual.
“we should go there sometimes?”