Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Twenty-Six: Metamorphosis

Author's Note:

Hello, friends!

I just finished writing this last night. I think this might be the longest chapter I've written so far, almost 6900 words! I've got a lot of stuff packed into this chapter, and I hope you like it! I'm so glad to be back to my original posting schedule, but man was I cutting it close this week. 😆

Please take note of the trigger warnings below. If these things would be bothersome to you, then please skip past the first set of *** symbols.

Enjoy!

Edit to add: Last weeks chapter did not send out a notification, for some reason. Please make sure you read chapter 25 before you read this one! ❤️

TW-Mention of Relapse in Sobriety, Mention of Alcohol

     The Shane that you had grown to know and love over the past few months was beginning to vanish before your very eyes - and you wouldn't have it any other way.

     The Shane that he was flourishing into was a truly beautiful sight to see - one that you were truly proud of having in your life. You could tell that he was slowly becoming someone that he was proud to be, too.

     Not only did his mental health drastically improve as he cut beer and liquor out of his lifestyle, but he couldn't help but notice how much better he felt physically.

     "I haven't felt this light since I was a kid!" he exclaimed to his aunt one afternoon, while you helped him carefully wrap up a small, bright pink shoe box, containing a surprise for Jas.

     And it was true, he'd been carrying himself differently in the weeks that followed the incident at the cliffs. He seemed happier, more confident, more trusting. You also couldn't help but notice the way his face looked slimmer, and his body had trimmed down. Has he been exercising, too?

     Marnie's face twisted with a slight disappointment. "Let me guess...Gus had a clearance sale on canned beer?"

     You were surprised when Shane took the backhanded comment in stride, especially after what happened a few weeks prior. He chuckled and told her that he'd actually been drinking sparkling water recently, and Marnie's eyes glimmered with hope at the revelation.

     Of course, you knew that he'd quit drinking cold-turkey. You were the one who suggested that he try sparkling water instead, to see if that would satiate his thirst - the tingling bubbles offered a similar sensory experience to what you would get with a beer. You were also there to support him when he struggled with his urges, and your support never wavered if he would relapse.

     Only two times did he show up at your door before his morning shifts, his face tear-stained and his eyes tinged red. He truly felt ashamed when he told you that he had broken down and cracked open a few beers the night prior.

     "Shane?" you'd ask, surprised to see him so early. "What is it?"

     "I'm a failure," he sniffled. "I don't know how I could've ever expected anything different from myself. I'm not strong enough to do this, and I don't know why I should even try."

     You took him into your arms where you allowed him to rest - he looked as if he hadn't had a wink of sleep that night.

     "Hey," you whispered to him after a few moments, as you rubbed gentle circles along his back, "don't talk to yourself in absolutes, remember? How can we make that statement a little less harsh on yourself?"