Chapter 72 : gifts of love

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"I can't do this anymore, Charlotte," Engfa's voice echoed through the darkness, each word like a dagger to my heart. "It's over."

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pleaded with her, my voice choked with anguish. "No, please, don't leave me," I begged, the desperation in my tone palpable. "I need you."

But Engfa remained unmoved, her expression cold and distant. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her words cutting through the silence like a knife. "But I have to go."

The pain in my chest was unbearable as I watched her turn away, disappearing into the shadows. I reached out for her, but my fingers grasped at nothing but empty air.

I woke with a start, my body drenched in sweat and my heart pounding in my chest. Engfa was nowhere to be seen beside me, and a sense of dread washed over me as I sat up in bed. Pulling my knees to my chest, I closed my eyes and wiped away the tears that stained my cheeks.

Even though Engfa had re-entered my life and we had been back together for a few weeks now, the nightmares persisted. Each time I closed my eyes, the fear and uncertainty flooded back, leaving me with a knot in my stomach. I reached for my water bottle and the familiar bottle of pills in my drawer, swallowing them with a gulp, hoping they would offer some relief from the torment of my dreams.

As I sat there grappling with my turbulent thoughts, the door creaked open, and Engfa entered the room, balancing a tray of breakfast goodies and a single rose. A warm smile lit up her face as she caught my eye, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Happy birthday, baby," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine warmth and affection. My breath caught in my throat as I gazed at her, overwhelmed by the sweetness of her gesture.

Engfa's eyes softened as she noticed the tear stains on my cheeks. Without a word, she set the tray down on the bed and gently took my face in her hands, wiping away the remnants of my tears with her thumbs. Then, with a tender embrace, she pulled me into her arms, holding me close against her chest.

With a soft smile spreading across my lips, I leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to Engfa's cheek, feeling the warmth of her affection seeping into my being. Then, I reached out to take the delicate rose from her offering hand, holding it gently in my own. "Thank you," I murmured.

"Come with me to the living room, Char," Engfa said, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation. She gently took my hand and led me out of the bedroom.

As we entered the cozy space of the living room, Engfa turned to me, a sparkle in her eyes. "I have something special for you," she said, her tone soft yet full of warmth. "Close your eyes and wait here for a moment."

I closed my eyes as Engfa instructed, anticipation coursing through me. When she finally told me to open them, I saw her standing there with a fluffy bichon frisé puppy in her arms.

My eyes widened in disbelief, and then my heart melted at the sight of the adorable little dog. "Oh my goodness!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with joy. "Is this... is this for me?" Engfa nodded, a wide smile gracing her lips. "Happy birthday," she said softly. "I know how much you've wanted a dog, so I thought this little one would be the perfect gift."

I couldn't contain my excitement; I practically squealed with delight as I reached out to gently take the puppy into my arms. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I exclaimed, my voice bubbling over with happiness.

With an exuberant energy, I started to jump up and down lightly, unable to contain the sheer joy coursing through me. The puppy squirmed in my arms, licking my face with affectionate enthusiasm, and I couldn't help but laugh at the adorable display of affection. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I couldn't have been happier.

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