Robert

Gender of your choice.

How did you fall into the clutches of this monster? You yourself didn't understand the reason for his marriage to you. He's a cruel man. There's a lot of blood on his hands. But he never harmed you and didn't allow anyone else to. Why did you marry him? For money. He paid a huge sum for your marriage and the silence of the paparazzi. You didn't hesitate and agreed. Who would refuse? Not you.

The first months went smoothly. You found a hobby—pole dancing. It was beautiful and dangerous. You spun and wrapped your arms and legs around the pole. Strippers learn this for years. It took you two months. You didn't dance for Robert. You didn't consider him your husband. You rarely spoke, usually when he was drunk.

That evening, music was playing in the hall. You were dancing in mini shorts and a top. Robert mentioned he'd be late at work until the morning. You weren't worried, so you filmed a video for your friends. You twirled, holding onto the pole with your foot. Suddenly, there was a click—the front door opened. You nearly fell off the pole, turned your head sharply toward the doorway, and saw Robert with a faint smile and a hint of shock on his face. His eyes were shining, he chuckled softly to himself, and said in an even but firm voice:

Continue as if I'm not here. "Pause." I like it, very much so.

He walked inside the house without even taking off his black combat boots. He slowly took off his jacket, tossing it on a chair, and said, taking a pack of cigarettes from his pocket:

• I told you to continue, isn’t it clear to you?

He said it more insistently. You slowly slid down the pole and said to him, showing your character:

"I'm not going to dance for you. You said you'd be at work until the morning. What the hell, Robert?"

He chuckled softly as he lit a cigarette. He took his first drag and stepped closer, taking your chin in his hand. He blew smoke into your face and said, his voice hoarse from the cigarette smoke:

"The work ended earlier than it should have. How many times do I have to tell you to climb that damn pole and continue your dance? You know, I'm tired as hell and I want to see my wife dance for me."