Starting New: A World Apart

Chapter 22: The Seeds of Growth

Nicole had decided to leave the watch on the porch and bring them back to their home. Seeing Gumball in this state was heartbreaking to her. As she rubbed his back entering the front door, he didn't say a word to her. Gumball went into his own room and she went into hers. Although she didn't want to leave him right now, she thought it would be best for him to vent a little while before talking again.

She plopped down on her cold bedsheets and let out a deep sigh. Reaching into her pocket, her hand pulled out the small slip of paper found from the watch. She re-read it over and over. There were still so many questions lingering in her mind. Questions that seemed to have no answer at this point. Eventually she stuffed the paper back into her pocket and gripped the bridge of her nose. This was going no where.

Nicole decided to do some mediation on the floor to help clear her mind. She folded her legs and straightened her back. She closed her eyes and let out another deep breath. This could take a while...

———

An hour had past since Gumball had entered his room. He had been staring at the ceiling basically the whole time. The harsh lingering thoughts combined with the boredom he felt was driving him half mad.

'Ugh, I need answers! I can't just lay here. Without them, I'll...I'll...'

Gumball swung his fist down onto the bedsheet beside him. The anger was starting to build. He had felt a wide range of emotions before, but not anymore. All he felt now was rage. He needed to cool down. There was only one person who he knew that could help him with that....

Getting up and letting out a deep breath, he made his way over towards Nicole's room. He knocked softly before coming in after not hearing a reply.

"Nicole?" He spoke out, before seeing her sitting on the floor in a lotus position.

Hearing his voice pulled her back into the moment, and she opened her eyes before facing him. She gave him a weak smile before patting a spot next to her.

"Come here Gummypuss, sit with me."

Gumball made his way over to her, and sat closely. She gestured him to copy her, and went back to her meditation. He obeyed and sat in a similar position before closing his eyes.

"Let it all go..." she said, causing him to concentrate.

He felt his mind fight off his sinister thoughts and clear it away. This made his anger start to subside. He was feeling more at ease. After a few minutes, he was finally at peace.

"Thank you..." he said softly, resting his hand on hers.

Nicole nodded before intertwining her hand with his.

Gumball lowered his head and closed his eyes again.

"I'm sorry how I acted back there, I just..."

"It's alright Gummypuss. I know. I'm not angry at you." She said, now facing him.

"Really?" He asked, meeting her gaze now with surprise.

Nicole embraced him and rested her forehead against his.

"Of course not. I love you too much for that."