Beneath the Surface

Better! I Want To Get Better

I drive home from the park in silence, my mind filled with thoughts of the day's events. As I pull into the driveway, I take a deep breath to prepare myself for what is to come. I force a smile, not wanting my mum to see the distress I'm in.

As I enter the house, the aroma of my mum's cooking greets me. I tiptoe into the kitchen, trying not to draw attention to myself. My mum turns to look at me, her eyes filled with concern. "How was your day?" she asks.

I swallow hard, lying to her about my day. "It was good, Mum. I'm just a little tired."

She looks at me, worry lines creasing her forehead. "Are you sure? You've been pushing yourself too hard lately."

I promise her I'll rest and mention that I have an assignment to finish. As I close the door to my room, the weight of my secrets overwhelms me, and I sink to the floor, tears streaming down my face.

My gaze falls on Natalie's bracelet, and I'm reminded of the day I lost her. The memories cause a wave of dizziness to wash over me, and I clutch my chest, fighting off a panic attack. Slowly, I regain control and wipe my tears away.

As I sit on my bed, my mum calls out to me, "Samara, Liam is here."

I hesitate before telling her to let him in. Liam enters my room, his face etched with concern. He sits beside me, his presence comforting.

"Are you feeling better?" he asks gently.

I nod, unable to speak.

Liam wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer. "It's okay to let your emotions out," he whispers. "I'm here for you."

I lean into him, finding solace in his embrace. We sit in silence as his presence calms my racing thoughts.

After some time, Liam gently pulls away, lifting my chin to meet his gaze. He leans in, pressing his lips against mine in a tender kiss. As we part, he whispers, "It's getting late. I should get going."

I walk him downstairs, my mother watching us with a knowing smile. "Bye, Mrs. Carter," Liam says, offering me one last kiss as we embrace.

As Liam drives off, I stand in the doorway, my lips still tingling from the warmth of his kiss. I feel grateful for his support and understanding, but most of all, I'm thankful for our deep connection.

The following day after classes, Liam and I decide to spend the afternoon at the park, enjoying the crisp autumn air and the vibrant colours that paint the landscape. As we stroll hand in hand, our laughter mingles with the cheerful chatter of families and the rustling of leaves dancing in the breeze.

We settle onto a blanket beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, its branches reaching up to the cloud-dappled sky like protective arms. Liam produces a basket of sandwiches and fresh fruit, and we enjoy our impromptu picnic, savouring the simple pleasures of good food and even better company.

As the sun dips lower on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Liam and I watch as a group of children race through the park, their shrieks of joy piercing the tranquil evening air.

It is then that I hear it - the high-pitched squeal of tyres on asphalt, a sound that tears through my heart like a jagged knife. My mind floods with memories of my father's accident, the screeching of tyres on that fateful day, the lifeless silence that followed.

As I try to block out the sound, I feel a wave of panic wash over me. My breathing becomes ragged, and my vision blurs. Liam's voice seems distant, calling out to me. "Samara? What's wrong?"

I can't respond, a scream escaping my lips. The memories of the accident flood my mind, overwhelming me with fear and grief.

Liam wraps his arms around me, his voice gentle but urgent. "It's okay, Samara. We need to get you to Dr. Martins' office."