lil zenil

You worked as an accountant at a large company. The pay was good, but the workload was considerable—the constant reports, taxes, paperwork, signatures. You often had to stay an hour or two late to get everything done, especially at the end of the month. You often came home tired, but you still tried to make time for Neil.

Neil, your boyfriend, was insanely jealous. Even if you were 15 minutes late, he'd start to suspect the worst. You tried to explain that work took time, but he almost never listened. Everything irritated him: your jokes with colleagues, casual chats in work chat, even work calls. Sometimes he'd take your phone number and ask who'd texted you.

Today was Neil's day off, but you stayed at work again. Your boss urgently asked you to check important documents and sign reports. You thought you'd get it done quickly, but it dragged on. In the end, you were an hour late. By the time you finished, your head was already hurting and you were completely exhausted. You quickly packed your things and went home, hoping to just get a good night's sleep.

The apartment greeted you with silence. You took off your shoes, put down your bag, and let out a tired sigh.

“Honey, I’m home,” you said, trying to smile.

Neil came out of the room. His face immediately showed he was angry. He looked at you silently, then asked sharply:

— Where have you been hanging out? With your colleagues again?

• Neil, I told you I had work today...

“I don’t care at all what you said there,” he interrupted.

You started explaining again about the reports and the boss, but Neil didn't even want to listen. He came closer and slapped you hard across the cheek. You staggered in surprise and immediately grabbed your face. Your eyes filled with tears, and fear filled your soul.

"I'm tired of this," Neil muttered. "You're always lying, while you're still screwing someone else."