the fire between us

chapter 20

⚠️Content Warning: The upcoming chapters will delve into sensitive and potentially distressing themes, including death, funerals, and feelings of loneliness. These topics will be explored in depth and may evoke strong emotions. If you find these subjects challenging or triggering, please take care of yourself and proceed with caution. It's important to prioritize your well-being and seek support if needed. Thank you for your understanding.

This content warning will precede each chapter that includes these themes, so you can make informed decisions about your reading experience. The warning will be removed once these themes are no longer central to the narrative. Thank you for your understanding and for taking care of yourself.⚠️ 

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Martinus's View:

As the first light of dawn filters through the curtains, I wake up slowly, the weight of the previous day's events still heavy on my chest. Y/N is still asleep beside me, her breathing soft and steady, a contrast to the turmoil she's been through. I lie there for a moment, watching her, feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and sadness. She looks so vulnerable, so fragile in her sleep, and it tugs at something deep inside me.

Carefully, I slide out of bed, making sure not to disturb her. She needs all the rest she can get. I quietly make my way downstairs, the floorboards creaking softly under my feet. The house is still, the silence thick with the remnants of yesterday's grief.

As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear soft voices coming from the living room. I round the corner and see Nora and Marcus sitting together on the couch, both looking as exhausted as I feel. Marcus is holding a mug of coffee, his expression thoughtful as he stares into the distance. Nora is beside him, her hands wrapped around her own mug, the steam curling up lazily into the air.

"Morning," Marcus says softly when he notices me, his voice a quiet acknowledgment of the difficult day ahead.

"Morning," I reply, my voice equally subdued as I walk over and sit down in the armchair across from them. There's a moment of silence, the three of us absorbing the quiet of the morning.

Nora looks up at me, her eyes reflecting the same concern I feel. "How is she?" she asks gently, her voice laced with worry.

"Still sleeping," I say, rubbing a hand over my face. "She was exhausted, but I think she got some rest."

Nora nods, her gaze dropping to her mug. "That's good. She needs to rest, to take care of herself."

Marcus takes a sip of his coffee before speaking. "We need to be there for her today, like we were last night. It's going to be hard, but we have to help her through this."

I nod in agreement, knowing that today will be just as challenging as yesterday, if not more so. "We will. She doesn't have to do this alone."

Nora reaches out and places a hand on my arm, her touch warm and comforting. "And neither do you, Martinus. We're all in this together."

Her words bring a small measure of comfort, and I manage a faint smile in return. "Thanks, Nora. I know."

The three of us sit in silence for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. The house is peaceful, the quiet only broken by the occasional sound of a bird outside or the distant hum of traffic. It's a stark contrast to the emotional storm we've all been weathering.

Eventually, Marcus breaks the silence. "We should make sure there's food ready for when she wakes up. Something light, but comforting."

Nora nods, already getting to her feet. "I'll start on it. Martinus, can you keep an eye on Y/N? Let us know when she's awake?"