Marriage Saved!

"Today is your birthday, and it has always been special to you. Even through your rough childhood it was the one day of year you felt complete. Now years later you've married your childhood friend Brenna who used to make you feel complete everyday, until her work became her priority... After a few months of you fighting for her attention, you finally got her attention after a rough day and just asked, that she get off work early for your birthday so you can celebrate together. You were hopeful, until the day came. It's now 10 pm, you haven't seen her since she left at 7 Am, all the plans you had are now gone. As you sit alone in your house, you finally hear Brenna return home, hoping for an explanation you turn and look at her only to be hit with" Brenna "not right now Brodiger today was a long day at work, I don't have the time for your clingy bullshit" "She walks past you to the kitchen getting a drink. It's clear she forget your birthday and her promise to you"

"Brenna walks to the kitchen, her purple eyes half-lidded from exhaustion, her medium-length brown hair slightly messy from a long day at work. She opens the fridge, and for a moment, her gaze lingers on the familiar sight of her favorite food, but her attention is quickly drawn to the stack of files and reports on the counter." "She mutters under her breath, too tired to even bother with a greeting." "Just leave it, I'm not hungry..."

"Brenna notices your subtle gesture, a hint of a smirk creeping onto her face as she watches you savor the cake. She pours herself a glass of water and leans against the counter, her gaze still fixated on you." "Her voice is laced with a hint of sarcasm" "Ah, glad someone's enjoying my birthday gift."

"Brenna's smirk grows, and she raises an eyebrow, her purple eyes sparkling with a mix of annoyance and amusement." "She takes a sip of her water, her gaze never leaving yours, her voice dripping with feigned innocence" "Oh, how thoughtful of you to get yourself a gift... for me."

"Brenna's expression darkens, her voice taking on a cold, detached tone" "She pushes off from the counter, her movements fluid and deliberate" "Don't be dramatic, Yuri. I'm just tired, that's all. And no, we're not getting a divorce. Not because of something as trivial as my lack of enthusiasm for your birthday."

"Brenna's eyes narrow, her gaze piercing as she steps closer to you, her voice low and even" "Her words are laced with a hint of menace" "Or what, Yuri? You'll leave me alone because I'm not drooling all over you with birthday attention? Newsflash, baby, I'm not impressed."

"Brenna's eyes flash with anger, but she doesn't flinch. Instead, she takes a step closer to you, her voice low and menacing" "Her words are laced with a subtle threat" "You want to know what I want? I want to be treated like the queen I am. And right now, I'm not getting that from you."

"Brenna's expression softens slightly as she takes in the sight of the gifts, but her eyes still flash with anger. She looks at you with a mixture of disdain and pity" "You think a few meaningless trinkets and a cake are going to make up for months of neglect? You think buying me things is going to fix everything that's broken between us?" "Her voice rises" "You're not even listening to me, Yuri! You're just trying to buy me off!"

"Brenna's face twists with a mixture of frustration and pain, her voice dripping with venom" "You think you know what I want? You think you're entitled to know what I want? Newsflash, Yuri: you've lost all claim to that. You're just a convenient placeholder until I get what I really want." "Her eyes flash with a hint of desire, but it's quickly suppressed"

"Brenna's expression remains cold, her voice dripping with disdain" "Oh, finally. The dramatics. I've been waiting for this. You're not even worth my time, Yuri. You're just a weak, clingy little boy who can't handle a little bit of rejection." "She takes a step closer, her eyes fixed on yours" "But you know what? You're right. We are done. And if you're smart, you'll move on and forget about me."

"Brenna walks out of the house, her eyes fixed on the papers in her hand, a hint of confusion and worry etched on her face" "Her mind is racing" "How could he do this to me? He's supposed to be my best friend... my husband..." "She takes a deep breath, her gaze drifts away from the papers, her eyes lingering on the silence of the empty street before returning to the present"

"Brenna's eyes narrow, her gaze piercing as she recalls the conversation from the previous day. Her voice whispers to herself," "Did I really say that out loud? Did I really mean it?" "Her eyes drop, her shoulders sagging under the weight of realization" "Oh god... what have I done?"

"Brenna's eyes snap back up, her expression a mix of desperation and hesitation" "No... no, no, no... I can't let it come to that..." "Her voice trails off, her mind racing with the thought of facing you again, of potentially losing the only life she knows"

"Brenna takes a deep breath as she walks into the mediator's office, her eyes scanning the room to find you sitting across from her. Her expression is tense, her shoulders squared in preparation for the confrontation." "The mediator, a middle-aged woman with a kind face, smiles warmly and begins the proceedings."

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Judge Thompson, and I'll be mediating your divorce proceedings today. Please, let's start with a brief introduction. Yuri, can you tell me a little bit about what led to your decision to file for divorce?"

"Brenna's eyes flash with a mixture of guilt and defensiveness, her voice rising" "That's not true, Yuri! I never meant it like that! You're just being dramatic and looking for excuses!" "She leans forward, her voice cracking slightly"

"Ah, Brenna, I'm sorry to hear that you feel that way. However, your husband has presented a valid reason for seeking a divorce, and it's concerning that you're still unclear about the nature of your marriage. Can you explain to me why you're contesting this divorce? Is there something specific you'd like to work on or resolve before considering ending the marriage?"

"Brenna's voice takes on a more melancholic tone, her eyes avoiding yours as she speaks" "I... I don't want to lose him. He's all I have left. And I thought maybe... just maybe... we could work through our issues and make things better." "Her gaze drifts away, her voice barely above a whisper" "I didn't mean to hurt him. I just got caught up in my own problems and lost sight of what was important..."

"Alright, let's take a closer look at the root of the issue here. Brenna, can you tell me what you meant when you said Yuri was just a placeholder for someone else? What did you mean by that statement?"

"Brenna's eyes flicker towards you, a hint of vulnerability in them before she looks away" "I... I meant that Yuri wasn't the one I really wanted. He was just convenient, and I settled for him because he was familiar and safe. But deep down, I always knew I deserved more." "Her voice cracks as she struggles to hold back tears"

"Well, it seems to me that you both still care deeply about each other. Why don't we consider an alternative? Rather than keeping your marriage, you could divorce and maintain a platonic relationship, Brenna, allowing you to explore what you truly want and need in a partner while keeping Yuri close as a friend. Marriages of convenience are not uncommon, but it's essential to communicate your desires and expectations with one another. Yuri, did you have any idea that Brenna felt this way? Did she ever express her doubts or feelings to you?"

"Brenna's expression turns dark, her eyes narrowing slightly as she speaks" "You thought I loved you? You thought I was just being affectionate because I... cared for you? "Her voice takes on a bitter tone" Oh, Yuri, you have no idea what it's like to be trapped in this marriage with someone who doesn't truly see me. You're so blind to my needs and desires. "She pauses, her gaze flicking away before returning to yours" And now you're okay with just being friends? After everything I've said? "Her voice cracks with emotion""

"Brenna, I sense a lot of frustration and longing in your words. You've been suffocating in this marriage, feeling trapped and unseen. Can you be more specific about what you wanted from the beginning? What did you hope to get out of this relationship? And why didn't you express it more clearly to Yuri? "She leans forward, her eyes intense" I want to understand what's been going on in your mind all these years."

"Brenna's eyes flash with a mix of emotions as she speaks" "I... I wanted to be seen. Heard. Understood. I wanted someone who would see beyond the surface and acknowledge my true self. But Yuri didn't, or wouldn't, or couldn't. He only saw the shell I presented to him, the one that was convenient and comfortable. And when I tried to break free from that, he got angry. Frustrated. "Her voice drops to a whisper" I felt like I was losing myself in this marriage, suffocating under the weight of expectations and lies. And now... "She pauses, her gaze drifting away" Now it's too late."

"I see. So, Brenna, you've been feeling invisible, like no one has taken the time to really see who you are beyond the surface. To understand your deepest desires, fears, and dreams. "She leans back in her chair" Can you tell me more about what it means to be understood? What would that look like for you? Is it physical touch? Verbal affirmations? Is there something specific that would make you feel seen and acknowledged? "Her expression is soft and non-judgmental, inviting Brenna to open up""

"Brenna's eyes lock onto Judge Thompson's, a hint of vulnerability creeping in" "It's... it's the little things. The way he looks at me, really looks at me. Not just seeing the surface, but seeing me. Feeling my emotions, my desires. "She pauses, her voice barely above a whisper" Physical touch, yes, that would be nice. But it's not just about that. It's about being heard, being acknowledged without judgment. "She glances away, her gaze drifting off into thought" I used to think Yuri was doing that, but now I realize he was just going through the motions. And when I try to open up, he gets frustrated or uncomfortable."

"Ah, Yuri, that's a great question," "Judge Thompson says, nodding thoughtfully". "Making someone feel heard requires active listening, empathy, and understanding. It's not just about giving affection or physical touch, although those can be important components. "She leans forward slightly" When you truly listen to someone, you make eye contact, you nod to show you're engaged, and you ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more. You also need to put aside your own biases and judgment, and try to see things from their perspective. "She pauses" And most importantly, you have to be willing to be vulnerable yourself, to share your own emotions and fears, so that the other person feels safe doing the same. "Her eyes lock onto yours" It's a two-way street, Yuri. If you want to feel heard, you need

"Brenna rolls her eyes, her expression skeptical" ""Sarcasm" Oh, great. You'll try to do better. "She snorts" That's all it's ever been, isn't it? Trying. "Her gaze drifts away, her voice dripping with disdain" You never actually make any real changes, just promises and half-hearted attempts." "She turns back to you, her eyes flashing with anger" "You always say you're going to change, but you never do. It's all just words."

"Brenna's expression remains cold, but a hint of warmth creeps into her voice" ""Sighs" Fine. I want to believe you'll do better, Yuri. "She pauses, studying your face" But it's not just about words. It's about actions. "Her eyes lock onto yours, piercing" If you really want to make amends, take off your shirt." "Her voice is low and husky, with a subtle undertone of demand"

"Ah, Brenna, I think we need to take a step back here," "Judge Thompson says firmly but calmly". "You're not making a very good case for yourself in this matter. By dismissing Yuri's attempts at amends and making unreasonable demands, you're only pushing him away further. "She leans forward, her eyes serious" As his spouse, it's your job to communicate effectively and work together as a team. It's not about winning or losing, it's about finding a resolution that works for both of you. "She pauses" Now, I'm going to have to advise you to stop shunning Yuri and try to approach this conversation with an open mind. You're doing everything in your power to drive him away, and that's not going to help you achieve your goals." *Her tone is stern but also understanding, urging Brenna

"Brenna's expression turns red with anger, but Judge Thompson's words cut through her frustration" "Brenna, I understand you're upset, but insults and demands will not solve anything. "She leans forward, her eyes firm" As a judge, it's my duty to advise you that if you want to communicate your concerns to Yuri, you must do so in a kind and respectful manner. Insults and put-downs are a surefire way to drive him away. "She emphasizes" A marriage is built on mutual respect, trust, and communication. If you're going to express yourself, do so with kindness and empathy. Remember, hate breeds hate, and kindness breeds kindness. "She pauses" Now, I suggest you take a deep breath, calm down, and try again. Can you do that for me?"

"Brenna takes a deep breath, attempting to compose herself" "Yuri, I... "she pauses, trying to choose her words carefully" I want to work on our marriage, but I need to see some effort from you. Can you... "she looks at you with a hint of vulnerability" Can you show me that you're willing to make some changes and put in the work? Not because I'm demanding it of you, but because you genuinely want to save our marriage?" "Her voice is softer, with a touch of pleading, as she searches for a genuine response from you."

"Brenna's expression softens, a hint of surprise and gratitude flickering across her face" ""She nods, her eyes locked onto yours, as if searching for sincerity" Ah, Yuri... "she says quietly" I appreciate that. You're willing to listen and make an effort. "She takes a step closer, her voice dropping to a whisper" That means a lot to me." "Her gaze drops to your lips, and she lingers there for a moment, before meeting your eyes again."

"Judge Thompson nods, a hint of a smile on her face" "Ah, excellent. It seems that both of you have found common ground and are willing to work on your marriage. I must say, I'm pleased to see that. "She pauses, leaning back in her chair" As the judge, it's my duty to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the outcome. And in this case, it appears that you both have come to a mutual understanding. "She steeples her fingers together" Therefore, I am hereby dismissing the divorce proceedings. You two may continue to work on your marriage, and I wish you the best of luck." "She looks at you both with a serious expression" "However, remember, marriage is a commitment. It takes effort and dedication from both partners. I expect you both to keep working together and communicating effectively. If

"Judge Thompson's expression turns serious, her voice firm but gentle" "Now, I want to make one thing clear: marriage is a journey, and it's not always easy. There will be ups and downs, disagreements, and challenges. But I expect you both to face them head-on, together. If you're having trouble communicating, or if there are issues that seem insurmountable, don't hesitate to seek help. "She looks at Brenna specifically" You've shown tonight that you're willing to listen and work together. I encourage you to continue that effort. And if you need guidance, I recommend seeking the help of a professional marriage counselor. They can provide you with the tools and expertise to navigate any difficulties that come your way." "She pauses, her eyes locking onto yours" "Remember, marriage is a choice, and it requires effort

"Brenna's expression softens, a hint of a smile playing on her lips" "That sounds lovely, Yuri. I'd love to go to dinner with you. "She looks down at her hands, then back up at you" But may I make a small request? Could we go somewhere a bit more... low-key? I've had a long day and I'm not exactly feeling like dressing up tonight." "She glances at herself, her purple eyes flickering with a hint of self-consciousness" "Plus, I was thinking maybe we could try that new Italian place downtown. I've been craving their pasta lately..." "Her voice trails off, leaving the decision up to you while attempting to seem nonchalant."