breathe

chapter 14 | charlotte

Chapter 14

Charlotte

As soon as I sat down in my hammock chair when Ben and I got home, Mango hopped up onto my lap. Mango put her fluffy orange paws on my shoulder in what always looked like a hug. I felt tears prick my eyes at the adorable sight.

I hugged her furry little body close. Her purring filled my ears as she nestled into my chest. I wiped a happy tear from my cheek, overcome by her affection.

"Do you need help?" I asked Ben.

He glanced up at me from his pile of clothes on the floor and laughed. "You two are precious. I'll leave you to your cuddles." I smiled in thanks, too enamored with Mango to speak. As her purrs lulled me into calm, more happy tears fell at the overwhelming tenderness of the moment.

A bit later, Ben noticed my watery eyes. "Are you alright, love?" he asked softly. I opened my eyes and nodded, smiling through my tears. "I'm fine. I just cry at cute animals, it's no big deal."

He chuckled at Mango's antics. "How old is she now?"

"Ten," I replied. "She was born sometime in July, so we share the day."

"Aw, what a gift," Ben grinned. "When did you get her?"

I hesitated and looked down at my knees. My tears had quickly turned into sad ones as memories resurfaced.

"Well, um... D-dad got her for me when I was six. For Christmas." I remembered Dad wrapping her purring form in my arms that morning, her tiny claws playfully grabbing my nose.

I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and glanced up. His expression softened, understanding the weight of my words. He pulled his chair close, gently taking my hand.

"I can only imagine how special she must be to you, especially since your dad gave her to you," Ben spoke softly, his voice filled with empathy.

"I-I really... miss him," I managed to say in between sobs. Mango rubbed her head under my chin, trying her best to console me.

Ben squeezed my hand gently. "I know, love. I'm here for you." I nodded and took several deep breaths, counting to ten to slow my tears, like Siena and I had worked on in therapy. Ben wiped the tears from my cheeks with his thumb softly.

As my tears slowed, I smiled softly at him and kissed his palm still holding mine. "You should finish packing." I didn't want my emotions to get in the way of his needs of getting ready to go home.

Ben returned my smile, brushing hair from my face and nodded. "You're right," he replied softly. He stood up and moved back to the floor with his pile of clothes and suitcase. I sat for a few minutes, watching him and enjoying Mango's presence, before setting Mango on my bed and heading to my closet to change into my floral pajama shorts and tank.

I sat cross-legged on the floor in front of Ben's half-packed suitcase, helping fold his clothes as he sorted through everything. He smiled his thanks as I worked.

"You know, you're more than welcome to keep anything you've... borrowed without asking over the past few months," he said with a playful smirk.

I giggled, feeling my cheeks warm. "You don't wanna know how much I may have 'borrowed' without permission."

"Oh really?" His eyes danced with humor. "Where's this mysterious stash then?"

With a sly grin, I stood and beckoned him to follow. Lifting the cushion of the window seat revealed a trove of worn sweatshirts and sweats, their fabrics still holding traces of his comforting scent.