Crossing boundaries

35.

Freen's PoV
She hesitated, her grip on my hand tightening. "At first, I thought it was just fear. Just the shock of almost losing someone who's been such a big part of my life. But... it's more than that, Freen. I know it is."

I stared at her, my mind struggling to process what she was saying. Was she saying what I thought she was saying? I didn't want to hope, but I couldn't stop myself. My heart was in my throat, and I could barely breathe.

"Freen," she whispered, her eyes finally meeting mine, filled with so much emotion it made my chest ache. "I think... I think I've started to have feelings for you."

For a moment, I couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't even breathe. I felt like I was dreaming, like this couldn't possibly be real. But the look in her eyes, the way she was holding my hand so tightly, told me that it was.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I squeezed her hand, my voice trembling as I finally found the strength to speak. "Becky... are you sure?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I needed to hear her say it again, needed to be sure that this wasn't just a fleeting moment of emotion.

She nodded, her own tears spilling over. "I'm sure," she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet certainty that made my heart soar. "I've been so scared of hurting you, of making promises I couldn't keep. But I can't deny it anymore. I care about you, Freen. So much."

The happiness that surged through me was almost overwhelming. I had dreamed of this moment for so long, had prayed for it, but now that it was happening, it felt surreal. I felt like I might wake up at any moment, and all of this would disappear. But Becky's hand in mine was real, the warmth of her touch grounding me in this moment, telling me that this was real, that she was here, with me.

"Becky..." I breathed, my voice breaking as the tears I had been holding back finally spilled over. "You don't know how long I've waited to hear you say that."

She smiled through her own tears, and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. "I know, Freen. And I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it."

I shook my head, squeezing her hand even tighter. "No, don't apologize. Just... just stay with me. That's all I need."

She nodded, her smile growing softer, more tender. "I'm not going anywhere, Freen. I promise."

Those words were everything. They were the promise of a future I had feared I would never have. And though I knew our journey wouldn't be easy, that we would face challenges and doubts, for the first time in a long time, I felt hope.

As I lay there, Becky still holding my hand, I allowed myself to imagine a future where we could be happy together, where we could build a life filled with love and support. And for the first time, I truly believed that it was possible.

Whatever fears and uncertainties I had were overshadowed by the warmth of her confession, by the simple fact that she was here, with me, and she cared. My recovery would be slow, but with Becky by my side, I knew I could face anything.

I closed my eyes, a contented sigh escaping my lips as I let the happiness wash over me. Whatever the future held, I knew one thing for certain: I was no longer alone. Becky was with me, and together, we could face whatever challenges came our way.

In that moment, as I drifted off to sleep, my hand still firmly holding Becky's, I knew that this was just the beginning of our new life together. And I couldn't wait to see where it would take us.

.............

Independence Day special two chapters.

Happy Independence Day to my Indian friends 😊🇮🇳.