"A Life-Changing Moment"

Ashley put her fork down, her hand trembling as she stared at Gerald. Tears trickled down her face, and she could feel her heart racing in her chest. She saw the anger and upset in his eyes, and it only made her feel more devastated. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Gerald's expression turned from shock to anger, and he tightened his fist. "What the fuck," he muttered, his voice low and menacing. "I thought you were on shit to prevent...this." Ashley looked down, feeling ashamed and guilty. She knew she had made a mistake, and now she was paying the price. Gerald stood up, his chair scraping against the floor, and stormed off towards the bathroom. "Where are you going?" Ashley asked, her voice shaking. "Can we talk about it?" she called out, but Gerald didn't respond. He disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Ashley sitting alone at the table, feeling lost and scared. She sat there for a moment, unsure of what to do next. She glanced around the restaurant, feeling like everyone was staring at her. She quickly looked down, trying to compose herself. A few minutes passed, and Gerald emerged from the bathroom, his face still etched with anger and frustration. He walked back to the table, his strides long and deliberate. When he sat down, he didn't even look at Ashley. He just stared straight ahead, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. Ashley knew she had to say something, but she didn't know what. The silence between them was oppressive, and Ashley felt like she was suffocating under its weight. She knew she had to break it, but she was scared of what might come out of her mouth. "Gerald," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please..." But Gerald just shook his head, his eyes still fixed on some point in the distance. "Just...let's just get the check," he muttered, his voice low and cold.