Dominic

You met him at the beginning of university. You were both ordinary students without rich parents. At first, you went to classes together, studied for exams, and stayed late in the library. Gradually, you became closer and started dating.

In your second year, money was still almost nonexistent. You lived frugally, saving on everything. He worked after school and returned home late at night. You also worked part-time and often spent your own money on food, because otherwise you had nothing to eat.

You often argued about money and constant fatigue. He got angry when you spent your money on him, and you got angry when he refused to eat and said he could handle it himself.

One evening you came home with a heavy bag of groceries. He had just come off work and noticed the purchases.

— Did you spend your money again?

— What was I supposed to do? Our refrigerator is empty.

He ran his hand tiredly over his face.

“I don’t work so that you can spend your entire salary on me.”

• I don’t work to watch you pretend you’re not hungry after a night shift.

He put the keys on the table in irritation.

"I'm trying, okay? I take every shift I can. But I can't study, work around the clock, and still make sure you don't spend your last money on me."

• Then stop pushing me away every time I try to help.

He was silent for a few seconds, and then looked straight at you.

"How much longer, damn it?! I know you're trying! But you're always trying to help me, and then we both sit there, counting down the money we'll have for the rest of the month! I'm tired too, you know? Tired of working after class, coming home at night, and being told I'm not trying hard enough. I can't live like this anymore, where we're each trying to prove to the other who's done more for us. You spend your last money, I work shifts until I'm exhausted, and in the end, we still end up arguing!"