Your short story does a great job of building suspense and exploring the emotional turmoil of the narrator. The setting, with the dimly lit apartment and flickering lamp, immediately sets a tone of loneliness and introspection. The way you describe the narrator's growing suspicion and eventual confrontation is compelling and realistic, making the reader feel the weight of their emotions.

Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:

Atmosphere and Mood: You've effectively created a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The shadows, the silence, and the flickering lamp all contribute to a sense of foreboding. This sets the stage nicely for the emotional conflict that unfolds.

Character Development: The narrator's internal struggle is well depicted. You show their journey from suspicion to confrontation, and finally to understanding and reconciliation. The partner's actions and eventual confession also add depth to their character.

Dialogue: The dialogue feels natural and authentic. The exchange between the narrator and their partner captures the tension and vulnerability of the moment. However, you might consider adding a bit more variation in tone and pacing to reflect the emotional highs and lows of the conversation.

Pacing: The story's pacing is generally good, but the revelation and resolution happen quite quickly. Adding a few more details about the narrator's thoughts and feelings during the confession could heighten the impact of the surprise and the subsequent reconciliation.

Resolution: The ending is heartwarming and offers a satisfying resolution to the conflict. The narrator's realization about trust and communication is a powerful message. You might expand a bit on their thoughts after the confession to give more insight into their emotional transformation.

Overall, this story captures the complexity of relationships and the importance of trust. With a few tweaks to enhance the emotional depth and pacing, it could be even more impactful. Great job!

WriterRick (WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group)

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .