Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Forty Six: This Too Shall Pass

Surprise! Another update for my besties 💜 😚 I'm currently unpacking and working but I just felt the need to update enjoy babes 😊

Story:

I kept my eyes closed, processing what happened, and sitting in that pain, Harvey gently tilted my head up. "My love, look at me please."

I met his gaze, not hiding the pain coursing through my heart. "I did the right thing," I whispered, more to myself than to him.

"He bent down and kissed my forehead. "Yes, you did, my love."

I held my hands up, wanting to be comforted and held. As he lifted me onto his lap, he gently rocked me and asked, "Tell me, what did you really want?"

I smiled, touched by Harvey's considerate nature. But I replied, 'I don't want to talk about it. It's in the past now.'"

"He said, 'I just want you to get it out and not suffer an episode."

I looked at him and said, "This time I'm stronger than that. I laid down the terms and I can't get upset over them." As a tear ran down my face, I quickly wiped it away.

"Just let me sleep it off. I want to take a nap, I'll be out later."

"He said, 'Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?'

I sighed and said, "I just thought we were better than that. However, maybe I'm being selfish. I just knew they were coming with us and I was wrong, I-" I felt my emotions getting the best of me. I closed my eyes and concentrated.

And I said, "I wanted us to be together as a family, as friends, and now I realize I was asking more of them than I should have. I mean yes, I knew they wanted more, but I can't, I refuse to make decisions that don't benefit my intimate family. It just isn't smart, nor safe for any of us."

And I will respect their decision as they did mine, and it's their right. And I will not let my emotions override that. It isn't fair, or kind to them." I looked down fiddling with my fingers.

"Yet here I am, not wanting to let them go. It feels kind of cruel to them, and yet I'm sitting here, wondering how they could just walk out like that? I thought we were more than that." I exhaled deeply. "It hurt my feelings, but now I know better."

"Also, I refuse to cry about them to you again, my lovely man, who deals with a lot for me. You deserve better than that. So head up Imara, and move on.' I said more to myself than him."

Harvey looked at me profoundly and said, "You never cease to amaze me, my love. Your strength and wisdom in handling this situation show just how remarkable you are. Remember, you're never alone in this. We're a team, and I'm here to support you, always."

I sat up in his arms and said, "I'm sorry." As I thought to myself, any male would be upset they allowed such a situation to escalate and make their female upset.

"What are you sorry for? It's okay to be sad. I don't see where you were wrong. You were being fair." As he kissed my forehead and rocked me.

I shook my head, "For having you deal with my requests and putting you in a position to compromise in such a way. Now, I'm sad about it. I won't do that anymore."

"My love, you're not being selfish. We're a team, and we make decisions together. I'm here to support you, no matter what. Your feelings are valid, and I'll never feel inadequate because of them. We'll face everything together, remember that."

"I nodded my head and whispered, 'I did the right thing for us,' turning to Harvey, seeking comfort in his familiar embrace.

Nestling close, I yearned for the warmth of sleep. As I closed my eyes, the world outside faded into the background, leaving me with the stillness of the morning."

Harvey's arms enveloped me, providing a comforting sanctuary. He gently swayed, his voice a soothing presence.

He kissed me softly and said, "Have a good rest, my love." I nodded my head. He picked me up, walked me to my room, and laid me down. He stayed by my side, offering comfort until sleep came easily.

I don't know how long I slept, but when I woke up, no one was there. I exhaled and prepared myself for the day. I felt a little better, but I was still sad. I whispered to myself, "This too shall pass."

As I walked out, the emptiness in the space seemed to echo my feeling
In the quiet of the house, their absence hung heavy, leaving behind a peculiar emptiness. It was the small things that stood out the most. Frank, my partner in spice, had always been generous with the fiery seasonings in our bowls.

The air felt strangely quiet without Nicholas's gentle hums, a subconscious echo of my own tunes I have sung. I would hum with him and he would come up with his own little tunes to teach me.

The kitchen counter held no trace of Steve's latest sweet finds. He had a sweet tooth and would bring us fruit to try. Some I knew, and some I didn't. I chuckled softly at the memory of him overindulging in plums, and I tried to stop him but it was too late. Poor thing had to endure the consequences.

And the scent of various oils and candles lingered unexplored, a domain once reserved for John's curious nose. He loved smell goods, so I sprayed and washed some fur clothes for him to carry and sniff.

These familiar habits, so intertwined with our daily lives, now seemed to leave behind a void, emphasizing the space they once occupied. My heart ached a little more, but deep down, I knew this was the right choice.

As I prepared to step outside, Harvey walked in, and I immediately enveloped him in a tight hug, longing for his reassuring presence.

I said, "How are you? How was class? Did it go well?"

He sighed and replied, "It went just fine. All the guys were there." I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety for putting him in such a situation.

He said, "Actually, can we talk?" I nodded immediately, and we sat down on the couch. I couldn't help but fidget with my fingers, feeling a touch of nervousness in the air. He placed his hands over mine.

He said, "I don't like how this whole situation went down. It actually did make me upset, just like you said. I don't want you being put in such situations where your feelings are hurt. I want us to plan carefully who we interact with from here on out."

I replied, "Agreed." I didn't have the energy or the need to protest.

"Also, you're right, my love. How could they just leave like that? I've been thinking we should consider having them come back and explain themselves?"

I looked at him, confused. "There's no need, it's their choice. I will respect-" but then the boys, my boys, walked back through the door with gifts in their hands - flowers, furs, seasonings, and rice.