A thunderstorm loomed overhead, intensifying the night with its fierce downpour. For two consecutive nights, the rain persisted without interruption, causing the city streets to become inundated with water and resulting in significant traffic congestion. Amidst this inclement weather, another storm was on the horizon.

"Please stop it," Joshua said with a firm tone, as he closed his laptop and organized the papers and notes he had been working on, gritting his teeth in frustration.

"Stop it? Why? Does it anger you to hear the truth from me?" Stephen retorted, scoffing at his partner with disdain. Joshua looked at him, visibly pained, as he struggled to suppress his tears. Stephen approached Joshua and tightened his grip on his arm. Joshua attempted to free himself from Stephen's hold, but the grip only intensified.

"Why are you doing this? How many times must I tell you that you are mistaken?" Joshua, weary of his husband's behaviour, questioned bitterly.

"I am mistaken? My husband has been cheating on me with some losers for months, and I am not even allowed to confront you about it." Stephen shot back

"Stephen, please stop. I have told you repeatedly that you are wrong. Henry is merely a close friend."

"Ah, a close friend. Perhaps your lover as well?" Stephen mocked, envisioning inappropriate interactions between Henry and Joshua, his anger boiling.

Joshua gazed at his husband in disbelief, taken aback by the accusation. Stephen, dressed in a black shirt tucked into black pants, had returned home a while ago in a state of partial inebriation, lacking his usual coat and tie, which reflected his typically meticulous appearance.

"I'm tired of this. How long do I have to put up with it?" Joshua said, breaking free from Stephen's grip.

"I can't talk to my friends or spend time with them, but you can do whatever you want?" Joshua yelled, tears streaming down his face.

"If I engage with someone, it is deemed infidelity. Have I ever questioned you when you socialized with men and women? No, I have not, because I trusted you." Joshua wiped his tears and proceeded toward their bedroom, gathering his belongings.

"When have I ever fooled around with anyone? Do not accuse me," Stephen yelled at Joshua's retreating figure. Joshua paused momentarily.

"It has always been my fault. Throughout our relationship, during our marriage, and even now, I have always been to blame." Joshua offered a bitter smile, his eyes shimmering with tears, before entering the bedroom without looking back. Stephen remained behind, clenching his fists, his heart heavy with anguish.

Twenty minutes later, Joshua emerged from the bedroom with a bag in hand. He retrieved the car keys from the side table and walked toward the front door, while Stephen observed him from the couch.

"Where are you headed?" Stephen inquired. Joshua remained silent, proceeding to open the door without turning to face him. "Joshua," Stephen called out in an attempt to halt his departure. However, Joshua disregarded him and exited, shutting the door behind him.

Joshua Anthony drove aimlessly through the pouring rain, his mind in chaos. He wiped away his tears, attempting to forget the argument with his husband. In an effort to quell his anger, he tried to recall their happy moments together, but to his dismay, only painful memories surfaced. "How did we end up like this?" he pondered, feeling heartbroken.

Stephen Nicolas, the charming and intelligent student, was the object of admiration for every girl and the envy of the boys at school. Joshua was in the same grade but in a different class. They passed each other numerous times daily without ever speaking. While Joshua was aware of Stephen, to Stephen, Joshua was just another faceless student. As time went on, they both grew taller and more passionate about their studies, eventually graduating as strangers.

"How much longer do you need? It's been a week since you checked into the hotel. Just forgive him and go home," Henry said, handing Joshua a cup of coffee.

"Henry, please don't say that. He hasn't even called to apologize for our fight. I won't go back until he does," Joshua replied, taking a sip.

"Jo, why are you being so stubborn? Think about your child," Henry urged.

"She's been with my parents for two weeks now. She doesn't even know about the fight," Joshua said, smiling at the thought of his daughter.

"But she'll be back next week, right? What will you do then?" Henry asked, glancing at his watch.

"I don't know," Joshua muttered in frustration.

Henry stood up, pointing to his watch, indicating that lunchtime was almost over. They had been friends since school and worked at the same company. Joshua followed Henry outside to the smoking area.

"Do you want to stay with me for the time being, like the good old time? You can't stay at the hotel forever," Henry suggested, trying to support his friend.

Joshua shook his head with a smile, indicating no.