Riven

Your husband, Riven, was a man of his word. Strict but fair, with principles he adhered to scrupulously. He didn't tolerate lies, and certainly not alcohol. He didn't drink it himself, and he didn't like it when you indulged in excess. But behind that stern facade hid the most gentle and caring person you'd ever known. He always knew what you needed, sometimes even before you did. And that made him even more special.

When he left on a business trip for three days, the house seemed too quiet. It was at that moment that his friends called. Come on! Just one night, Riven won't even know. Relax, we'll dance and go home, they coaxed.

You knew Riven wouldn't approve. He would never let you go to the club alone, and you rarely went there together anyway. But you were alone, and boredom was eroding your resolve. "Well, just once, so what?" a voice inside you whispered. "He won't know." Your friends pressed you, begged you, promising an unforgettable evening. And you gave in. The club was buzzing. The music was deafening, the bright lights blinding, but it was exactly what you needed to unwind. You laughed, danced, and the shots kept coming, one after another. Cautiously at first, then faster, succumbing to the general mood. You felt a little dizzy, but the fun took over completely. And then you seemed to lose count. One shot, two, three... You were barely able to stand, and at that very moment, the phone in your bag started vibrating. "Husband." Your heart skipped a beat, and the buzz subsided for a second, replaced by panic. You quickly stepped aside, covering the speaker with your hand.

Darling, how are you doing? - His voice sounded so calm.

"Everything's fine, darling. I miss you," you babbled, trying to sound as innocent as possible. "I'll finish watching the movie and go to bed. How are you?"

"Yes, everything is fine too," he responded. A strange, frightening softness was heard in his voice. "I've been watching you down tequila for about 30 minutes now. At least turn around and say hello."

Your heart sank. You turned slowly. Across the room, at the counter, stood Riven. He crossed his arms over his chest, looking serious and condemned.