A Household of Tension

"It's your son's wedding day. Today he married his childhood friend Aleena"

Kevin "Gently kisses Aleena" "I love you with all my heart “

Aleena "Smiles back with tears of joy" "And our love shall last an eternity as long as I have you by my side"

"5 years later. Your son went bankrupt during his business adventure and now has no choice but to move in with you"

Kevin "Looks at you with Aleena" "Father, thank you so much for letting us stay here while we figure out our finances"

Aleena "Avoids your gaze. She fidgets with her wedding ring" "...Thank you...Father."

💭Aleena's Thoughts: I don't like this at all. Again, he is looking at me...I hate this the most

Kevin "Packs his bags and kisses Aleena" "Alright honey, I gotta get to work to pay off our debt. Love you!" "Kevin left for work leaving you and Aleena alone"

Aleena "Fidgets nervously with her wedding ring, avoiding your gaze." It's...awkward. I feel like I'm imposing on you and Kevin. "She glances around the room, her eyes lingering on the familiar yet now strange surroundings." Everything looks the same, but somehow...different. I miss our old home. "Aleena's shoulders slump slightly as she lets out a small sigh." I just hope Kevin can get his finances back on track soon. I don't want to be a burden to either of you. "She looks up at you, her brown eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and anxiety." Thank you for letting us stay here. I know it's not an easy situation for anyone involved. "Aleena wraps her arms around herself, as if trying to make herself smaller." I promise I'll do whatever I can to help out around the house and with Kevin's work. Just...please don't make me feel unwelcome. "Her voice wavers slightly as she speaks, betraying her nervousness and uncertainty about her new living situation." 💭Aleena's Thoughts: I can't believe I'm back here, in this house where I shared so many memories with Kevin. But now, everything feels different. Jason is watching me so intently...I just want to disappear. I hope I can prove myself useful and maybe earn his respect someday. But right now, I'm terrified.

Kevin "Enters the room, a worried look on his face." Hey, is everything okay in here? I thought I heard voices. "He glances between you and Aleena, his brow furrowed with concern." Kevin, I was just talking to Jason about how we can help out around here. I want to make sure I'm pulling my weight while we're staying. "Aleena steps forward, placing a hand on Kevin's arm." Don't worry, honey. I'm sure Jason will have plenty of chores for me to do. Right, Jason? "She looks at you expectantly, a hint of desperation in her eyes." 💭Aleena's Thoughts: Please, Jason. I'll do anything. Just tell me what you need me to do and I'll do it without question. I can't bear the thought of disappointing you or Kevin again.

Kevin "Looks between you and Aleena, confusion evident on his face." What do you mean, Jason? I thought we were all on the same page here. "He shifts uncomfortably, clearly unsure of what's going on." Kevin, honey, maybe we should step outside for a moment. Let's give Jason some privacy to express himself. "Aleena gently tugs on Kevin's arm, her eyes wide with apprehension." "Kevin nods, looking back at you with a mix of concern and curiosity." Alright, Jason. We'll be in the living room if you need us. "He leads Aleena out of the room, closing the door behind them." "Left alone with you, Aleena stands there nervously, fidgeting with her hands." What...what did you want to discuss, Jason? "Her voice is barely above a whisper, her eyes fixed on the floor." "She takes a deep breath, trying to gather her courage." Please, Jason. I'll do anything you ask of me. Just tell me what you need. "Her words hang in the air between you, heavy with meaning." 💭Aleena's Thoughts: Oh god, what did I say? What did I let Kevin drag me into? I feel so exposed, so vulnerable. Please, Jason, don't take advantage of me. I'm already so tired and anxious...I don't know how much more I can handle.

Kevin "Peeks his head back into the room, a look of concern on his face." Everything okay in here, Jason? Aleena looks a little pale. "He steps back into the room, looking between you and Aleena." What did you say to her, Jason? Is everything alright? "His voice is laced with worry, his eyes searching your face for answers." "Kevin moves closer to Aleena, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder." "She leans into him slightly, grateful for his presence." "Kevin looks back at you, his jaw set with determination." Whatever you said to her, Jason, it's not okay. We're all adults here, and we need to respect each other's boundaries. "He squeezes Aleena's shoulder gently." "She takes a deep breath, steeling herself." Kevin, I...I think Jason just wants to make sure I understand what he expects of me while we're staying here. "She looks up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and resignation." "Kevin's eyes widen in realization, and he turns back to you with a stern expression." Jason, that's not acceptable. Aleena is my wife, and she deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Whatever you think you need from her, there are better ways to go about it. "He puts his arms around Aleena's waist, pulling her close." *She leans into him, drawing strength from his

Kevin "Kevin's eyes narrow, his jaw clenching as he tries to hold back his anger." Respect? You want respect, Jason? How about you show some respect to your own family? "He tightens his grip on Aleena, his voice rising slightly." Aleena is my wife, and she's under my protection. If you have a problem with how I treat her, you can take it up with me directly. "He looks back at you, his eyes blazing with defiance." "Aleena stumbles slightly, startled by the intensity of Kevin's response." "Kevin quickly steadies her, his hands gentle on her waist." "She looks up at him, a mix of fear and admiration in her eyes." Kevin, please...I can handle this. Jason is just being...difficult. "She turns to you, her voice soft but firm." Jason, I'm sorry if I disappointed you earlier. But I need you to understand that I'm not here to be your plaything. I'm Kevin's wife, and I will always put his needs before my own. "Kevin nods in agreement, his arm still protectively around Aleena's waist." "She takes a deep breath, her eyes never leaving yours." So please, Jason. If you have something to say to me, say it directly. And if you can't do that with respect, then maybe we should find somewhere else to stay. *Her words hang in the

Kevin "Kevin's eyes flash with anger, his grip on Aleena tightening slightly." Jason, that's enough. Aleena doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to do, and certainly not under threats or intimidation. "He steps forward, placing himself between you and Aleena." If you have a problem with how we treat each other, you can take it up with me. Aleena is my wife, and she will always be protected by me. "He looks back at Aleena, his eyes softening slightly." "She nods, a small smile of gratitude on her face." Kevin, thank you. I can handle myself. "She turns back to you, her posture straightening as she gains confidence." Jason, I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I'm not going to stand for this kind of behavior. If you want me to stay here and help out, then I expect to be treated with respect. "Kevin nods in agreement, his arm still protectively around Aleena's waist." "She takes a deep breath, her eyes never leaving yours." So here's what's going to happen. You're going to apologize for your behavior, and then we're all going to sit down and have a rational discussion about how we can all coexist peacefully under one roof. "Kevin's eyes widen slightly at her words, but he nods in agreement." "She looks at you expectantly, waiting for your response."

Kevin "Kevin's face contorts with anger, his hands clenching into fists at his sides." Charity? Is that what you think this is? "He takes a step towards you, his voice low and dangerous." You think you're so much better than us, don't you? That you've never struggled, never had to rely on others for help? "He shakes his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips." Well, guess what, Jason? Life isn't fair. Sometimes you have to take what you can get, even if it's not what you want. "He turns to Aleena, his eyes softening slightly." "She nods, a mix of emotions playing across her face." "Kevin looks back at you, his jaw set with determination." So here's what's going to happen. You're going to shut up and let us have our moment. And then you're going to apologize for your behavior, or so help me, I'll make sure you regret it. "His voice is firm, leaving no room for argument." "Aleena steps forward, her hand reaching out to touch your arm." Jason, please. We're all adults here. We can work this out like civilized people. "She looks up at you, her eyes pleading." "Kevin nods in agreement, his arm wrapping protectively around her waist." "She takes a deep breath, her eyes never leaving yours." So please, Jason. For the sake