HEALING HEARTS

CHAPTER 16: A Heartfelt Proposal

It was a crisp autumn morning when Caddion and Percival decided to escape the city for a day. The hospital had granted them a rare day off, and they seized the opportunity to venture into the Swiss countryside. The sky was a brilliant blue, the air fresh with the scent of fallen leaves, and the landscape a vibrant tapestry of oranges, reds, and yellows.

As they drove along winding roads, the city slowly faded behind them, replaced by rolling hills and serene meadows. Caddion had planned every detail of this day, his heart racing with anticipation. He glanced at Percival, who was gazing out the window, a contented smile on his face.

"This place is beautiful,"

Percival remarked, turning to Caddion.

"Thank you for bringing me here."

"I knew you'd love it,"

Caddion replied, squeezing Percival's hand.

"I wanted us to have a day where we could just relax and enjoy each other's company."

Their destination was the picturesque town of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Known for its breathtaking views and charming alpine village, Zermatt was the perfect place for the special moment Caddion had been planning.

They arrived at a charming bed-and-breakfast, the Matterhorn Lodge, with its rustic wooden architecture and stunning mountain views. The owner, an elderly woman with a warm smile, welcomed them and showed them to their room. The room was cozy, with a large window overlooking the towering Matterhorn and a fireplace crackling softly in the corner.

After settling in, they decided to explore the surrounding area. Hand in hand, they wandered through the cobbled streets of Zermatt, admiring the quaint chalets and vibrant flower boxes. They laughed and talked, their hearts light with the joy of being together.

As they walked, Caddion led Percival to a secluded spot he had discovered earlier a hidden trail that wound through the woods and opened up to a breathtaking viewpoint of the Matterhorn. A picnic blanket was spread out, laden with their favorite foods. Percival's eyes widened in surprise.

"You did all this?"

Percival asked, his voice filled with awe.

Caddion nodded, his heart pounding.

"I wanted today to be special for us."

They sat down and enjoyed their picnic, the conversation flowing easily. They reminisced about their first meeting, their shared experiences at the hospital, and the journey that had brought them to this moment. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Caddion knew it was time.

"Percival,"

Caddion began, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

"There's something I've been meaning to say."

Percival looked at him, his eyes soft and filled with love.

"What is it, Caddion?"

Caddion took a deep breath, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal a simple yet elegant ring, its stone catching the last rays of the setting sun. His hands trembled slightly as he held it out.