Cold Water

TWENTY FIVE

                      ♡BRANDON♡

   Monday came around, and with it, a sense of determination that I hadn't felt in a long time.

  After everything Athalia had done for me–being there, understanding me, and making me smile again-I wanted to do something for her, something special.

  While sitting in class, I suddenly remembered the picnic spot my mom used to take me to when I was a kid.

  It was a peaceful place, surrounded by trees with a view of the water. It felt right, almost like a remembrance of my past, something personal that I could share with Athalia.

  During lunch, I found her sitting outside at our usual spot.

  "I have something to tell you." I said, sitting down beside her.

  "Oh? What's that?" she asked, her eyes curious.

  "I'm taking you somewhere this Saturday. It's a surprise," I said, keeping it vague on purpose.

  She raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, a surprise? Now you've got me curious."

  I smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "You'll see. Just be ready Saturday afternoon."

  The rest of the day went by in a blur, but as soon as I got home, the reality of what I'd promised hit me.

  The picnic spot was a drive away. I had a car, but the thought of driving again made my chest tighten.

  Still, I knew I had to face this fear. Athalia deserved something special, and this was it.

  I sat down in my room, staring at my car keys on the dresser. Could I really do it? Could I get behind the wheel again without freezing up or thinking about what had happened?

  The memory of the accident crept up, but I pushed it away, trying to focus on the good–the joy of surprising Athalia, the peace of that picnic spot, the chance to share something important with her.

  This wasn't just about driving; it was about reclaiming a part of myself, a part I had lost the day my mom died.

  I grabbed the keys, feeling the weight of them in my hand. I would drive on Saturday, no matter what. I couldn't let fear hold me back anymore.

  Athalia had given me the courage to face so much already, and now, I'd face this, too.

  That evening, I stood in the garage, staring at my car. It wasn't flashy, just a simple sedan, but the thought of driving still made my stomach churn.

  I hadn't driven much since I learnt how to drive, avoiding it whenever I could.

Aunt Dina taught me when I first started living with her.

  It took time, but she was very patient with me.

  The fear of being behind the wheel again was suffocating, like a weight pressing on my chest. But I knew I had to do this.

  Taking a deep breath, I opened the car door and slid into the driver's seat. The familiar scent of the interior hit me, and for a moment, my hands shook as they rested on the steering wheel.

  My heart raced, and I could already feel the flood of memories from that day trying to push their way in.

  I started the car, the engine humming softly. My foot hovered over the pedal as I adjusted the rearview mirror and took in the empty street ahead.

  "You can do this." I whispered to myself.

  I slowly backed out of the driveway, the wheels crunching against the gravel. The road stretched out before me, quiet and calm, but inside, my mind was anything but.