Half a heart

Chapter 75

Charlie's POV

The rhythm of the drums had calmed my mind, but as I sat alone in my room, the quiet began to creep in again, bringing with it a sense of heaviness that I couldn't shake. I knew I couldn't stay up here forever, so I reluctantly set down the drumsticks and took off my headphones, letting the silence of the house settle around me.

My stomach rumbled softly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten much today. I knew the others were probably downstairs having dinner by now, and even though I didn't feel particularly hungry, I knew I should at least try to eat something. With a sigh, I got up and made my way downstairs, my footsteps echoing lightly in the hallway.

As I entered the dining room, I saw the boys sitting around the table, the room filled with the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. Harry looked up first, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth when he saw me.

"Hey, Charlie," he greeted warmly. "We were just about to call you down. Come sit with us."

I gave a small nod and walked over to the empty chair between Liam and Niall. The table was set with all my favorite foods, but the thought of eating made my stomach twist uncomfortably. Still, I didn't want to worry anyone, so I quietly took my seat and picked up my fork.

The others continued their conversation, but I only half-listened as I slowly started to eat. I took small bites, chewing deliberately, but the food tasted bland in my mouth. My mind was still racing, thoughts of everything that had happened swirling around like a storm. I felt like I was drifting, disconnected from everything around me.

"Charlie, you okay?" Liam's voice cut through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. I looked up to see him watching me with concern, his brow furrowed slightly.

I forced a smile, trying to seem more at ease than I actually felt. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...tired."

Liam didn't look entirely convinced, but he nodded, his expression softening. "I get it. It's been a long day."

I nodded in agreement, trying to focus on my food, but the tightness in my chest made it hard to swallow. I pushed the food around on my plate, hoping no one would notice how little I was eating.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally set down my fork, unable to force myself to eat any more. The conversation around the table continued, but I felt increasingly detached from it all, like I was watching everything from a distance.

Liam must have noticed my discomfort because he leaned in closer, speaking softly so only I could hear. "Do you want to go upstairs and get some rest?"

I hesitated, glancing around the table at the others, who were still talking and laughing, seemingly unaware of the weight pressing down on me. Finally, I nodded. "Yeah, I think I should."

"Come on, I'll go with you," Liam said, standing up and placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I stood as well, feeling a small sense of relief at the thought of leaving the table.

We quietly excused ourselves, and I followed Liam upstairs, the sound of the others' voices fading as we ascended. When we reached my room, I immediately felt a sense of calm settle over me. This was my space, my refuge from the chaos of the world outside.

Liam guided me over to the bed, and I sat down on the edge, feeling the exhaustion of the day catch up with me. He pulled back the covers, and I crawled underneath them, the familiar comfort of my bed helping to ease some of the tension in my body.

"Do you need anything before you go to sleep?" Liam asked, his voice gentle as he tucked the blanket around me.

I shook my head. "No, I'm okay. Just...thanks for being here, Liam."

He gave me a warm smile. "Of course, Charlie. I'm always here for you."

Liam sat down on the edge of the bed, staying close by as I settled in. The room was quiet, the only sound the soft rustle of the covers as I shifted to get comfortable. Despite the exhaustion weighing me down, my mind was still restless, the events of the day playing over and over in my head.

"Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep?" Liam asked, sensing my unease.

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude for his understanding. "If you don't mind..."

"I don't mind at all," Liam reassured me, his voice soothing. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch light and comforting. "Just close your eyes and try to relax. You're safe here, Charlie."

I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in as I closed my eyes. The darkness behind my eyelids was comforting, and I focused on the sound of Liam's steady breathing beside me, letting it anchor me in the present.

After a few minutes, the tension in my body began to ebb, replaced by a growing sense of drowsiness. Liam stayed right by my side, his presence a steady, calming force that helped to keep the anxiety at bay.

"Thank you, Liam," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as sleep began to pull me under.

"Anytime, Charlie," he replied softly. "Just rest now. Everything's going to be okay."

With those reassuring words, I finally let myself drift off to sleep, comforted by the knowledge that I wasn't alone.