"What happened?" Nichole asked, rushing to Max's side.

"I'm such an idiot," he said, holding his hand close to his chest. "I tried to punch the wall, and I just ended up hurting myself." Nichole reached for his hand, inspecting it. "Let me get you some ice," she said, heading to the kitchen.

When she returned, Max was sitting on the floor, his head in his hands. "I'm so sorry," he said, his voice breaking.

"I'm just trying to do the right thing," Max said, frustration rising in his voice. "I ...