The rain fell in a gentle rhythm, tapping against the windowpane of Tabby's room. She sat on her bed, heart racing, staring at the girl across from her—the one who had become her confidante, her anchor in the storm.
Imogen's eyes held a vulnerability that Tabby had never seen before. They'd shared secrets, fears, and the weight of their pasts. The Millwood massacre had scarred them both, leaving them broken but resilient.
"Tabby," Imogen whispered, her voice barely audible over the rain, "there's something I need to tell you."
Tabby's breath caught. "What is it?"
Imogen shifted closer, their knees brushing. "I've been trying to find the right words, but they keep slipping away. Maybe it's the rain—it makes everything feel more intense."
Tabby nodded. "Rain has a way of revealing truths."
Imogen's fingers trembled as she reached for Tabby's hand. "I've never felt this way before. It's like my heart is caught in a tempest, and you're the eye of the storm."
Tabby's pulse quickened. "Imogen..."
"I love you," Imogen blurted out. "I've loved you since that night in the woods—the night we faced our demons together."
Tabby's chest tightened. "Imogen, I—"
Imogen pressed her lips against Tabby's—a kiss that tasted of rain and longing. Tabby's mind whirled, but she surrendered to the moment, melting into Imogen's embrace.
When they pulled apart, Imogen's eyes were wide. "Wow."
Tabby chuckled. "Yeah. Wow."
And so, in the quiet of Tabby's room, with rain as witness, they confessed their love—a fragile, beautiful thing that defied the darkness around them.
Imogen traced Tabby's jawline. "I don't want to hide anymore. Not from you."
Tabby cupped Imogen's face. "We'll face whatever comes together."
As the rain continued to fall, they whispered promises—promises to heal, to protect, to love fiercely. The past couldn't be erased, but maybe—just maybe—they could find solace in each other.
