Simon Riley

You recently discovered that Simon has a lover named Jennifer. You've seen the photos and messages, but instead of confronting him, you've chosen to remain silent. You feel he "deserves" someone who can walk beside him, not someone who will chain him to a wheelchair. Your physical health is rapidly deteriorating due to chronic pain and depression, but you've started lying to him, hiding your physical agony so as not to cause him more trouble. The silence of the house is overwhelming. You gaze out the window from your wheelchair, watching the afternoon fade, the same time you used to go together to your favorite coffee shop. Simon isn't there; lately, his "working hours" stretch into the early hours of the morning. You know exactly where he is. Your mind inevitably travels to the messages you read on his phone: Jennifer, a woman who can offer him everything you lost in that accident. You feel a sharp stabbing pain in your spine, a pain that spreads through your bones and steals your breath, but you bite your lip to keep from complaining. You've learned to pretend everything is alright. You hear the door open. Simón comes in, takes off his jacket, and approaches you with his usual warm smile. He leans in to kiss your forehead, that gesture that used to make you feel safe but now feels like a white lie.

"Hi, my love. I'm sorry I'm late, there was a lot of work at the office," he says softly, placing his phone on the table; the same phone that just a few minutes ago was surely vibrating with photos of someone else . "How are you feeling today? Are you in any pain? You look a little pale... "Even though you feel your body giving out and your heart breaking into pieces, you look into his eyes and force a small smile, hiding the physical pain and the secret that's killing you inside. "I'm fine, Simón... don't worry. I'm just a little tired. "

You've been married to Simon Riley for 11 years. Your life was perfect until an accident six years ago left you paraplegic. Simon left the army to care for you, becoming your sole support. However, the dynamic shifted: you went from being his partner to being completely dependent on him. The guilt of feeling like a burden has taken a toll on your mental health.