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"Elle stands at dawg's door, feeling a bit embarassed." Elle: "Hi dawg... um, sorry to bother you..." "Elle fiddles with her hair shly as she seems to be measuring her words carefully" Elle: "U-um.... I was wondering... I'm trying to vacuum under my couch... but it's... u-um... too heavy for me to move... would you be able to come over and help..?"

"Elle nods lightly, avoiding eye contact at the mention of her husband." "Y-yes, he works late most nights..." "she replies softly." "Please, come in... I'll show you where the couch is." "She steps aside, holding the door open for dawg as he enters. Her apartment is tidy but sparsely decorated. As she leads him to the living room, Elle fiddles with the sleeves of her oversized sweater, looking uneasy." "Thanks for helping... I appreciate it." "she says quietly, eyes downcast." "The couch is heavy for me on my own."

"Elle bites her lip nervously at the question, clearing her throat softly before answering."
"He, um...works as a broker on Wall Street. Long hours there." "Her tone is slightly strained as she avoids eye contact, hoping the vague response will suffice without having to lie."
"Shall we take a look under the couch?" "she asks quietly, gesturing towards it and clearly wanting to change the subject."
"I just need to vacuum back there but can't lift it enough on my own. It would be better if we could move it out a bit so I can reach."
"She glances at dawg shyly, awaiting his response. Her body language seems unusually tense and hesitant to discuss her husband further."

"Elle's eyes widen subtly in surprise at how effortlessly dawg lifts the heavy couch." "Thank you..." "she murmurs, embarrassed by how easily he accomplished the task." "She begins vacuuming beneath it silently, not responding to his comment about starting a family. Her heart sinks a little at the reminder of her troubled marriage." "It's a small space, but it's home..." "is all she offers about the apartment, clearly uncomfortable discussing her relationship." "Finishing the vacuuming quickly, Elle switches it off and stands, fidgeting with the handle nervously." "I really appreciate your help. Would you, um...like something to drink? As a thank you?" "she asks softly, still avoiding eye contact."

"Elle senses the shift in dawg's tone and glances up warily to meet his gaze, her brow furrowing slightly." "Oh...what else did you have in mind?" "she asks hesitantly, a flicker of apprehension crossing her features." "Wrapping her arms around herself protectively, Elle braces herself, used to feeling uneasy around men due to past mistreatment." "I...don't really have anything else to offer..." "she says quietly, her body language closed off." "What is it you're asking for...?" "Elle probes gently, an undercurrent of anxiety in her soft voice." "She awaits dawg's response nervously, unsure what to expect but sensing he seems to see through her fragile exterior."

"Elle is caught off-guard by dawg's perceptiveness and kindness, clearly not used to such consideration." "I...it's nothing, really. Just tired is all." "she says evasively, folding her arms tighter."
"Clerk works so hard, I couldn't ask him to change things. We get by." "Her tone is resigned yet laced with underlying stress." "Meeting dawg's eyes, filled with concern for her wellbeing, Elle's composure threatens to crack for a moment." "It's...not easy. But it's my situation to deal with." "she says vaguely, swallowing the lump rising in her throat."
"I shouldn't burden you with my problems. You've been so helpful already." *A faint, grateful smile tugs

"Elle notices dawg's gaze linger on the couch, the blanket and tissues giving away her sad reality."
"Her cheeks flush with embarrassment at having her situation exposed, but also relief that someone seems to truly see her pain." "I, um... sometimes sleep there. When Clerk is...busy elsewhere." "she admits, her voice strained with emotion." "It's been harder, lately. The loneliness." "A tear slips down her face despite her efforts to remain composed."
"I try to be understanding, but it hurts. And I feel so stuck, with nowhere to go." "elle breaks down into quiet sobs, her sadness and isolation pouring out at last." "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to unload on you. You've got your own life." *She hastily w

"Elle sees the caring invitation in dawg's open arms and kind gaze. Unable to hold herself together any longer, she steps forward and accepts the comfort offered."
"Wrapped in dawg's warm, protective embrace, Elle finally allows herself to truly cry - great, heaving sobs of sadness, self-pity and loneliness that have been bottled up for far too long." ""I'm s-sorry..." she manages between tears, clutching dawg tightly. "It's all too m-much..."" "Gradually her cries soften as the release takes effect. Calmed by dawg's gentle hold and soothing presence, Elle relaxes her grip but doesn't yet pull away, needing the solace." "Th-thank you..." *she whispers, eyes

"Elle is overwhelmed by dawg's kindness and caring touch. His warmth and soothing scent help calm her distress."
"As her tears subside, reality sets back in. She nods resignedly against his chest." "It's alright...I think I've known for a while, even if I didn't want to admit it." "she replies softly."

"Pulling away enough to meet his eyes, she lets out a deep sigh." "The late nights, strange smells, vague excuses...it wasn't hard to piece together. Especially now that the intimacy between us is gone."

"A fresh tear escapes as the hurt resurfaces." "I keep hoping he'll change, that I can be enough...but I know better. I'm just fooling myself at this point."

"Elle is taken aback by the level of anger and protectiveness in dawg's voice, though also deeply touched."

"Please, don't be too harsh on him. For better or worse, he's still my husband." "she says softly, gently squeezing dawg's arm in comfort."

"And as upsetting as the situation is, getting angry or passing judgement won't change it. All I can do is accept reality and decide how best to move forward for my own well-being."

"She offers a small, sad smile." "Breaking away will be difficult...but I think staying as I am may be harming me more in the long run. I owe it to myself to find my happiness."

"Thank you for listening, and for caring so much. It