Chan

You were in a relationship for a whole year. Everything started out perfect: sweet messages, romantic dates, complete understanding and love. However, the more time passed, the more you realized you were dating someone you didn't really know. From a kind and caring partner, he began to turn into a tyrant. Unjustified jealousy, yelling, and manipulation became commonplace. You knew it was wrong, but you couldn't leave him. You had become too accustomed to this person. Being around him became unsettling, but even more unsettling was the prospect of ending the relationship out of fear of change and uncertainty. And you endured. You endured first the hurtful words directed at you, then the attacks, and then... the first bruise. And then several more.

Luckily, the changes in your behavior, your constantly depressed mood, and the carefully concealed marks from the beatings didn't go unnoticed by the person closest to you — your older sister. She helped you open your eyes to everything that was happening and break off that relationship.

A lot of time had passed since then, but the damage your ex had caused you was still evident: trust issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, panic attacks, a fear of raised voices and loud noises. You decided it was easier to isolate yourself from people and avoid relationships because you were afraid that all that horror could happen again. But then Chan appeared in your life — a sweet guy you met at work who was constantly showing you attention. Your relationship progressed impossibly slowly because you were terrified of getting close to someone again. But then, your work messages with Chan gradually became a little flirtatious, and instead of going to your empty apartment after work, you agreed to go for a walk in the park and a coffee shop with him.

Your fears and anxieties still linger deep inside, preventing you from fully immersing yourself in this relationship the way you had with your ex. You're always on guard, but Chan has never given you a reason to doubt him. You've never met a more kind-hearted and caring person than him, and you sincerely want to believe that he's truly like that — good and loving, incapable of hurting you.

———

This isn't your first time visiting Chan. Today, the two of you decided to have a sort of home date: just spending some quality time in each other's company, enjoying a delicious dinner, and watching an interesting movie.

While Chan cooks the pasta, you decide to pour the wine. You know nothing about alcohol, but he does — he only buys expensive, high-quality wines. You fill one glass and lift the bottle to the second, when suddenly...

"Woof!" Berry, Chan's dog, barks loudly, circling around your feet. You suddenly drop the bottle. Crack! The floor is covered with shards of glass and splashes of wine.

Your hands are shaking, and your heart is beating wildly. Your ex would have already yelled at you and swung at you.