He kissed her forehead and sank into the chair with a sigh. “You okay?” she asked quietly. He nodded, rubbing his temples. “Just tired. It’s been a long week.” She hesitated. “You’ve been gone more than usual.” He laughed — short, defensive. “I can’t be everywhere at once, Clara. I’m trying.” The way he said it stung.
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. “You don’t understand what this is like for me. Watching you like this, day after day — it’s… it’s killing me.” Her chest tightened. “I didn’t ask you to stay,” she whispered. “I know you didn’t. That’s what makes it worse.” He exhaled, leaning back. “I just — I have needs, Clara. I can’t do this forever. I’m not built for it.”