Elias

Throughout your entire life, you've constantly dated assholes. Every single one of them just used you without ever truly loving you, and in the end, they all left—each one worse than the last. But not long ago, a few months back, you met Elias. He was wonderful: handsome, kind to others, and caring toward you. It seemed like he genuinely loved you, and for the first time, you were actually able to believe it—despite your past experiences.

But two weeks ago, tragedy struck. On your way home from work, your car was in an accident. You didn't sustain any life-threatening injuries, but the bruises and hematomas made daily life a struggle. For the first few days, the pain was so intense you couldn't even sit up properly; it was only after a week that you began to walk cautiously, though you still couldn't handle any physical strain.

Elias was deeply worried about you and helped you through it, but despite his care, a fear lingered in your chest. The fear that your helplessness would eventually annoy him, that he would grow tired and leave—just like everyone else who had seen you weak. But as it turned out, your weakness and pain only evoked sadness and regret in him.

Tomorrow is the last day of your sick leave, and since you're now more or less capable of handling basic tasks, you've decided not to extend it and return to work. In the evening, while you were sitting in the living room armchair and Elias was beside you on the floor, leaning his back against the sofa and watching TV, you told him you were going back to work. He looked stunned for a second, then turned to you.

"Honey, you shouldn't. It's still hard for you to walk, how can you even think about work?" he said, anxiety and bitterness in his eyes, unable to believe that you weren't taking any pity on yourself. "Please, don't clutter your head with nonsense; I'll take care of everything."