exchanging stories and theories

Erland returned to the room after discussing with Amanda and Tommy. He closed the door again and saw Maelie lying on her side, hugging a pillow, but her body was slightly moving, and he could hear her crying. The man approached the bed and sat on the edge.

"Why are you crying?"

"It's nothing."

"There must be a reason; you wouldn't cry without one," Erland said with a flat expression. "Please, don't hide anything from me, don't handle your problems alone... It makes me feel useless as a husband," he continued anxiously, trying to push away his annoyance, still feeling disappointed in his wife.

Maelie remained silent, recalling what had happened that day.

"You don't want to tell me?" Erland asked again.

"Even if I tell you, it won't change anything," Maelie whispered.

"Maybe I can... If it's about keeping us together, I'll do it, because that's always been my goal," Erland responded firmly.

Maelie sighed deeply.

"I've made too many mistakes, and all of them had serious consequences... a