[ZACH]
I woke up to the soft rays of morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over our bedroom. Turning to my side, I saw Julie, her back facing me as usual. Lately, I've felt a growing distance between us, an invisible wall that I couldn't seem to break through. I reached out to touch her, but hesitated. Her recent withdrawal had made every touch, every gesture of affection, feel like walking on eggshells.
I sighed and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom to get ready for the day. The steam from the hot shower did little to wash away the heavy feeling in my chest. I had tried everything to make Julie happy again through lavish gifts, surprise trips, and romantic dinners. But the joy those moments brought was always short-lived, like a dim candle that couldn
