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Narrators Narrative;

Raymond walks into his matrimonial bedroom and finds Christiana fast asleep on the bed. He stares at her for a few seconds before walking in and shutting the door. 

He has only ever had one full and meaningful conversation with her. Asides from that, are just common pleasantries, requests, and other few words. 

On the dressing table lays an old music box which is playing. It belongs to her and he always tries his best to avoid trouble with her, by keeping away from her things.  

He makes for the bed when the music box begins to glitch. The song it's playing begins to rise to annoyingly high pitches and fall disgustingly low tones. 

He turns to look at his wife as he worries that the disturbing sounds will disturb her sleep. He makes for the table and stares at the old box. Silently praying for the horrid sounds to stop on their own, as he doesn't want to have to touch it. 

The box suddenly releases a high pitch sound that shakes him to the core and he loses his cool. He makes to touch it but his wife's sharp voice causes him to freeze. 

"Don't touch that! "Her stern voice slices through the air. Almost causing Raymond's soul to jump out of his body. 

He turns to her with wide eyes in shock. He thought she was asleep, but she was only pretending. 

Christian was alone in the bedroom reading a book with the help of the side lamp when she heard footsteps. She instantly knew they were Raymonds, hence, she quickly hid the book under her pillow and pretended to be asleep. She did so to avoid having to talk to him. 

The shocked look on Raymond's face, explains to Christiana that her act has been caught. So she climbs off the bed with her head hanging and moves over to the dressing table. 

"It's my mother's. "She says lowly as she walks past Raymond and picks the box. Asif that statement would explain why he isn't allowed to touch it. 

Raymond watches as she shuts the box and places it in one of the drawers beside her. He lets out a silent scoff before walking to the other side of the bed and picking up a pillow there. 

He moves to the wardrobe he at least shares with her and takes out a blanket from there. 

He makes for the door in their room which leads to a balcony when her voice causes him to halt. 

"Where are you going? "She questions.

"Out to sleep. "He simply replies with an isn't-it-obvious look at her. 

Ever since they got married two years ago, he's been sleeping on the balcony and she in the room. This is actually an unspoken rule. 

Christiana never implied or suggested it, but Raymond implemented it. 

On the night of their wedding, Raymond never had the intention of touching her as it wasn't a love marriage. Neither of them was interested in the wedding but went ahead with it because of Christiana's father, Mr. William. 

Raymond is an orphan who used to help Christians father at the petting zoo, he loved the old man and treated him like the father he never had. As their bond tightened, Mr. William begged him to get married to Christiana. 

He promised to take care of all Raymond's problems. From food, to shelter, to clothing, and so much more. And with this, Raymond agreed. While Christiana only agreed because she loves her father way too much to turn him down. Ever since her mother's passing, he's become all she had. 

On the night of their wedding, Raymond simply laid on the bed. Hoping to get a good night's sleep and forget all the taunts and mockery he got throughout the day from friends of the Duran family, and the family itself. 

He noticed how tense and scared Christiana became. He didn't like the unwelcoming feel he was getting, so he picked up the pillow and blanket, and moved to the balcony to sleep, and Christiana didn't stop him. Two years after, it's become a norm.  

"But it's raining outside "Christiana notes and Raymond simply stares at her. This isn't the first time it's raining outside since their wedding night, but this is the first time he is attempting to sleep in the rain. 

Raymond is so pissed today. Christiana's family has long thrown insults at him, but today, he's just fed up. Fed up with everything. And the little act Christiana just pulled, made his frustration even worse. 

"You can sleep on the couch. "Christiana finally adds and Raymond stares blankly at her. 

He looks out through the glass door at the heavy rain and rolls his eyes. This is the best option for him. Except he wants to punish himself by staying in the brutal rain. 

He walks over to the couch and lays on it. 

"Good night. "Christiana greets in guilt. 

"Night. "Raymond replies plainly before shutting his eyes.