Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 2

You chuckle at her infectious enthusiasm, feeling the weight of the world lift just a bit. "Let's do something," you reply, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "What did you have in mind?"

Pansy's eyes light up with excitement. "How about we visit that new art gallery downtown? I've heard it's got some amazing exhibits."

You nod, feeling a sense of adventure bubbling up inside you. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."

As you step outside, the warm spring sun embraces you, casting a golden glow over the bustling city streets. Pansy slips her hand into yours, her touch soft yet reassuring. The subtle contact sends a thrill through you, an electric connection that feels both new and familiar.

You walk together, exchanging playful glances and light touches that convey more than words ever could. The fragrance of blooming flowers fills the air, mingling with the distant hum of city life. Pansy swings your intertwined hands gently, her laughter like music that blends seamlessly with the vibrant atmosphere around you.

Reaching the art gallery, you pause for a moment to take in its impressive facade. "Ready for some culture?" Pansy teases, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

"Always, especially with you," you respond, squeezing her hand lightly.

Inside, the gallery is a symphony of colors and creativity. The exhibits are mesmerizing, each piece telling a story, sparking conversations and shared smiles between you and Pansy. You find yourselves standing close, heads bent together as you discuss the intricate details of a particularly captivating painting.

As you move from one exhibit to another, you can't help but feel a deeper connection forming. Pansy nudges you playfully as she points out a whimsical sculpture. "This one kind of reminds me of you," she says, her voice filled with affectionate teasing.

"Oh really? How so?" you ask, grinning at her.

"Unique, intriguing, and impossible not to adore," she replies, her gaze locking onto yours, a hint of something more in her eyes.

Your heart skips a beat, and for a moment, the art around you fades into the background. "Pansy," you begin, your voice soft, "I..."

She interrupts you with a gentle finger on your lips. "Shh," she whispers, leaning in closer. "I know."

Her lips meet yours in a tender kiss, and the world around you seems to pause, the vibrant colors of the gallery blending into a soft blur. The kiss is sweet and filled with the promise of something new and beautiful. When you finally pull away, her eyes are sparkling with joy and mischief.

"Come on," Pansy says, taking your hand in hers. "There's still so much to see."

You walk hand in hand, exploring the rest of the gallery, each piece of art now holding a special significance. The once silent hallways are now filled with laughter and whispered secrets. Time seems to fly as you lose yourselves in the beauty of the exhibits and each other's company.

Finally, you find a bench for you to sit down. Your feet are starting to ache from the standing and walking. Baron was doing a number on your hips, as you hold your belly sitting down.

"I told them, I want to start writing and illustrating childrens books. That's what our argument was about. I told Severus, I was officially resigning. I'll finish the term but he will have to find someone else for next year. I'm starting to wonder if they care at all about my happiness," you say. "It was not pleasant."

Pansy squeezes your hand reassuringly, her expression softening with understanding. "You deserve to follow your dreams," she says firmly. "You've given so much of yourself to that place. It's time you did something for you— for the girls, for Baron."