Irreparable - Hannibal Lecter

002 Daisies

Emily found solace amidst the vibrant blooms of her beloved garden. With delicate care, she placed a vase filled with freshly grown and meticulously picked flowers on the patio table.

 It was a small gesture, but one that brought her great joy. As Emily stepped back to admire her handiwork, Thomas, engrossed in the morning paper, looked up with a dismissive glance. His brow furrowed, he remarked, "The colors are mismatched, Emily. It's a bit haphazard, don't you think?"Confusion clouded Emily's face as she scanned the flowers, their colors blending seamlessly. It was a momentary pang, a subtle reminder of how their perspectives had grown distant. She sighed inwardly, her grip tightening on the vase as a wave of frustration washed over her. Wordlessly, Emily stooped down and gently placed the vase on the ground. She refused to let this innocent act of her creativity be tainted by Thomas's lack of appreciation. With a quiet determination, she said, "Perhaps I'll bring them to my office instead. They'll bring some life and color to the space there." Atleast there they would be appreciated, even if it was in private.
''I liked those daisies my mom brought over last week. You should try growing those instead," he nonchalantly remarked, unaware of the impact his words had on Emily. But as she stood there, surrounded by the vibrant and diverse blooms of her garden, she couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration. Daisies? Emily thought to herself. They were undoubtedly beautiful, with their simplicity and delicate charm. Yet, they represented a safe and predictable choice. As she surveyed the garden she had lovingly tended, she knew that the daisies lacked the intricate details and unique character that she craved. The passion and vibrancy that had once defined their relationship seemed to have withered away, leaving behind a sense of monotony. 

"I don't think I will grow daisies," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.She couldn't help but wonder if her marriage had become as ordinary as the daisies themselves. Thomas seemed to catch a glimpse of her words, his attention momentarily piqued.
"What was that, darling?" he asked, his voice tinged with mild curiosity.
Realizing that her words had slipped into the air, Emily quickly dismissed them. "Oh, nothing," she replied with a rehearsed polite smile, concealing her inner thoughts.

Emily took a seat in the garden opposite her husband, settling into the warmth of the sun-dappled surroundings. Thomas's handsome features, with his tousled blonde curls and chiseled jawline, were still undeniably attractive, but the flutter in her heart had faded over time. As she poured a cup of tea for herself, Emily summoned the courage to broach the subject that had been weighing heavily on her heart. She cleared her throat, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability as she looked at her husband. "Thomas, I've been thinking... I believe it would be beneficial for us to seek some counselling."

Thomas looked up from his reading, his brows furrowing in slight confusion. He tilted his head, unable to comprehend why Emily would suggest such a thing. In his mind, their lives were comfortable, their needs fulfilled. How could that possibly be necessary?

"Like therapy?" he asked, his tone laced with disbelief. "Emily, we have everything we need. Why would we need someone else to intervene?"
Quietly, Emily set her cup of tea down, her hands trembling ever so slightly. She had hoped for understanding.
'It might help us become closer again,' Emily tried to explain, her voice just above a whisper. 
But Thomas dismissed her words with a wave of his hand, a gesture that sliced through her like a knife.

"We do tons of things together, don't we?" Thomas's words echoed through Emily's mind, his eyes remaining distant. Yes, they attended his business parties as a couple, visited his friends, and she supported him during his art exhibitions. On the surface, it seemed like they were fulfilling the obligations of a married couple. But as Emily contemplated his statement, a wave of sadness washed over her. They were just going through the motions. It was as if her needs and desires had been erased from their relationship, overshadowed by the facade they presented to the world. The facade that he wanted, the one his mom expected him to uphold. But she knew there was so much more to their relationship than that.

"I think I will find one for myself then," she said with a newfound resolve. "It might be good to speak with someone else outside my usual circles anyway.''Her eyes searched Thomas's face for any sign of understanding, her grip tightening on her cup of tea. '' And perhaps get a fresh perspective on daily things, you know?" She tried to infuse her words with lightness, hoping that by making light of the situation, Thomas would be more open to the idea.
However, Thomas's expression hardened, his pride refusing to yield. He shook his head, his features etched with disapproval. "I just don't like the idea of you sharing our private matters with a complete stranger," he stated, his tone tinged with concern. "It feels shameful you airing out our dirty laundy.'' Emily sought another approach, hoping to alleviate his worries. "No one has to know I'm going, Thomas," she assured him, her voice still gentle and practiced. "I can find someone discreet, someone renowned in the field. Not just some person I found online.'' Thomas's furrowed brow betrayed his lingering skepticism, but he pondered her words, considering the possibility. It was a small victory, a crack in the walls he had built around himself. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice softened slightly. 

''I suppose if you can find a reputable therapist who values line up with our own, it might be worth exploring," he conceded,  yet his tone laced with caution.
She reached out to, gently clasping his hand from the pother side of the table.
Thomas, however, quickly withdrew his hand, his demeanor returning to its usual stoic tone. "Now, I would like to continue my reading, darling," he said, his words punctuated by a hint of detachment Emily nodded, withdrawing her hand and offering him a polite smile.