Compromise

After deciding to take a half-day off, Alexus and his wife left for home. On the patio outside their bedroom, they are facing one another.

"I regret making the vow that I wouldn't inquire what transpired while you were taken on that yacht. A section of her hair was twisted around his finger by Alexus. "You hardly ever eat, you sleep even less, and if you do sleep, you have nightmares that you won't discuss or sleep like the dead. I'm telling you this out of concern for you, to let you know that I'm your husband and want to love you all, no matter how awful things become or how bad the hurt is. I want you to be content."

The back of his hand touched her cheek" I can't discuss it, Alex."

He questioned, "Can't or won't?" He scooped up their glasses as he leaned over, never taking his eyes off her. He briefly believed she might inform him before a cloak suddenly fell over her face. He raised his head.

She responded, "Won't."

Nodding, he said. "I predicted as much."

She glanced at him b