Pam watched in disbelief as her husband, James, packed his belongings from the bedside table into a small wicker basket. Their lives had already changed drastically five years ago after a car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Since then, James had been her unwavering support. Now, watching him move out of their shared bedroom felt like her world was unraveling again.

James assured her with soft, but firm words that nothing was changing in terms of his commitment to her. “I’ll still be here if you need me,” he said, explaining that he simply wanted more freedom while he slept. Pam, hurt and confused, could only nod, although deep down she was terrified of sleeping alone.

The idea that James no longer wanted to be by her side felt like the beginning of something terrible.