I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) - A Tayvis Story

The Masquerade Revelers

(TW - just mention of Joe and a bit blood)

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29th November 2018   

Almost a month has passed, and the progress was slow—not just in Travis's physical recovery, but in breaking through the walls he had built around himself. Taylor could see the frustration in his eyes, the anger simmering just below the surface, but she also saw the pain, the deep, aching hurt that words couldn't touch. It became clear to her that she needed to try a different approach.

One afternoon, Taylor decided to take a chance. Instead of leading Travis to the therapy room, she wheeled him out of the hospital, down a quiet path that led to a nearby river.

Travis looked confused. "Where are you taking me?"

Taylor just shrugged, a small smile on her lips. "You'll find out soon enough."

The sun was low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the water. She stopped beside a bench on the bridge, sitting down beside him, the sound of the river gently flowing beneath them.

For the first time, Taylor saw a flicker of something change in Travis's demeanor. His shoulders, usually tense, seemed to relax slightly, and his eyes, which had been dull and lifeless, softened as he took in the scenery.

"So... you like being by the water?" Taylor asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

To her surprise, Travis replied without the usual edge. "Yeah... always loved it. Since I was a kid, Mom used to bring Jase and me out here. Always felt a sense of calmness by the water."

Taylor nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "There's something about the way the waves rise and fall, like they're carrying away the weight of the world. It leaves behind a stillness, a clarity."

Travis turned to look at her, a spark of recognition in his eyes. For the first time, her words seemed to reach him, resonating in a way that surprised him. He had never heard anyone put into words what he had always felt so deeply, and it stirred something within him—something he hadn't felt in a long time.

Taylor didn't push further, allowing the silence to settle comfortably between them. The river's gentle rhythm became the only sound, a quiet witness to the first small step toward breaking through the walls Travis had built around himself.

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the water, Taylor finally spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "We can keep coming here if you'd like. No pressure to talk or do anything... just to be."

Travis nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the river. "Yeah... I think I'd like that."

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In the days that followed, they continued with their sessions, Taylor balancing physical therapy with these quiet moments by the river. She felt a sense of hope she hadn't dared to feel before. It was a small victory, but it was a start—a start that might lead to something more.

But as progress often goes, it was not a straight line.

A few days later, during an intense session involving some difficult exercises, Travis's frustration and anger began to boil over. Each failed attempt fueled his growing irritation, and Taylor's calm patience only seemed to make it worse.

"You're doing pretty great," Taylor encouraged, trying to keep the mood light.

But Travis couldn't take it anymore. "Can you just stop with it?! I'm doing shit, okay?"

Taylor, still calm, replied, "Travis, you're doing fine. It's totally okay."

But that only made things worse. "But fine doesn't cut it! So, for fuck's sake, just shut up! Just shut up!!" Travis shouted, his voice echoing in the room.

Taylor flinched at the intensity of his outburst, surprised and a little hurt. She knew that recovery often meant one step forward and two steps back, but seeing this raw anger brought back painful memories she hadn't wanted to revisit—memories of another time, another person who had lashed out, right before she lost him for good.

Taylor's breath hitched, her composure slipping. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her professional demeanor despite the storm brewing inside her. "Let's take a small break, shall we?" Her voice was steady, but her hands trembled as she made her way out of the room.

She practically fled to her office, shutting the door behind her. Leaning against it, she felt her heart pounding in her chest, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She wasn't able to breathe. Her mind kept replaying that conversation, again and again.

"Just get the fuck away from me!"

"Joe, I'm just trying to help you," Taylor pleaded, her voice trembling.

"I don't want your help, Taylor! Nothing can help me, so get the fuck out!" Joe's voice was venomous, his eyes wild with despair.

"Please, Joe. I love you," Taylor whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Joe's anger only intensified. He knocked a jug off the table, the shattering sound echoing through the room. In his rage, he grabbed at the broken pieces, slicing his hand open. Blood dripped onto the floor as Taylor tried to hold his hand, her instinct to help overwhelming her fear.

But Joe pushed her away, screaming, "I said LEAVE!"

Taylor staggered back, her heart breaking as she watched the man she loved crumble in front of her. She had never felt so helpless. She slammed the door of their house behind her and drove away, tears blurring her vision.

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Is Travis finally letting someone in or closing off more?

What happened with Taylor?

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You'll know

Thanks for reading, I hope you guys enjoyed:)

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