I opened a bottle of wine and lit the leftover candles from before, the firelight reflecting brightly in his eyes.
"Do you have someone else outside?" I finally asked, my tone much calmer than I had imagined.
"No," he shook his head, eyes on the table.
"Then why?" He looked at me, shook his head again without saying a word.
My husband was slow by nature but steady in his actions. I had always considered this his strength, but his unwillingness to communicate was driving me crazy.
"I know you're unhappy, but today you must tell me clearly why you've suddenly become so distant. What did we do wrong?"
Perhaps my slightly accusing tone changed his expression instantly.
"Why? How dare you ask me why? Don't you know in your heart?"
His sudden strong attitude left me stunned. I couldn't recall him ever speaking to anyone this way.
"Explain clearly, what did I do?"
I was at a loss. Since giving birth, my focus had been entirely on our little family. I didn't dare take on too much work, fearing I wouldn't be able to care for our child.
I never expected him to think I wasn't doing well enough.
He downed several glasses of wine in one go and then slammed the glass down on the marble table.