Beneath the Country Sky

Chapter 8: Echoes of Yesterday

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the small town. Cooper leaned against his truck, the familiar scent of gasoline mingling with the floral notes of the surrounding gardens. He checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, tapping his fingers against the metal frame in rhythm with his growing impatience. Today, he was supposed to meet Isabel after her classes at the school where she worked.

It had been a few weeks since he had proposed, and though she had declined, they had agreed to stay together. Cooper was determined not to let one small inconvenience break what they had. However, in the days that followed, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. Isabel had become distant, a fact that gnawed at him more than he liked to admit. While they still talked on the phone and exchanged texts, the warmth and intimacy they once shared had begun to fade.

Cooper pushed off the truck, his mind racing with questions. Had he made a mistake in proposing? Did he push her too hard, too fast? He remembered the look on her face that night when he had knelt down, how her expression shifted from surprise to apprehension in a heartbeat. It had hurt then, but he convinced himself that love was worth fighting for, that he could wait until she was ready.

Just as he began to doubt himself, the school bell rang, echoing across the campus. A flurry of students poured out of the building, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Cooper scanned the crowd, his heart lifting when he spotted Isabel. She walked toward him, but the distance in her eyes was palpable. She offered a small smile, one that didn't reach her eyes, and his heart sank.

"Hey," she greeted, her voice softer than usual.

"Hey," he replied, forcing a smile despite the unease settling in his stomach. "How was your day?"

"Busy. You know how it is," she said, avoiding his gaze as she fiddled with the strap of her bag.

"Yeah, I get it," he said, trying to read her expression. "I thought we could grab a bite to eat. Maybe at that new café down the street?"

Isabel hesitated, glancing off toward the other students. "I actually have a few things to take care of at home. Maybe another time?"

Cooper felt the sting of disappointment but pushed it aside. "Sure, no problem. I can help you with whatever you need."

"No, really, it's fine," she insisted, her tone slightly sharper than intended. "I just need some time alone."

The words stung more than he expected. He forced himself to maintain his composure, swallowing the hurt that bubbled up inside him. "Alright, I understand. Just wanted to spend some time together, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," she replied, her voice almost a whisper. "Thanks for waiting for me, Cooper."

As they stood there, a heavy silence settled between them, thick with unspoken feelings and unresolved tension. Cooper wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap that seemed to widen with every passing moment. "Isabel, if something's bothering you-"

"It's not that," she interrupted, her eyes finally meeting his, but the connection felt fragile. "I just... I need some space to think about everything."

"About us?" he asked, his heart racing.

Isabel nodded slowly, her expression pained. "I care about you, Cooper. I really do. But after what happened, I just feel... overwhelmed."