Crystal was caught off guard by the outburst, but she had grown accustomed to James's unpredictable mood swings.
She calmly sat at the dining table and ate as if nothing had happened.
After finishing her meal, she tidied up and then retreated to her room for the night.
Meanwhile, James seethed in his room, grappling with hunger and restlessness.
In an attempt to cool off, he took a lengthy cold shower.
Upon returning to the dining room, he was dismayed to find the table bare. Fuming in silence, he sulked in his room like a petulant child.
***
Early in the morning, the usual routine began for Crystal. She sluggishly woke up, took a moment to stretch, and then went downstairs to the gym.
The crisp morning air filled her lungs as she engaged in her workout routine, and she felt the tension steadily dissipate from her body.
