Year of fire-an Upstead story

Chapter 22: Unraveling the threads

Hey guys I'm back with a new chapter and I really hope you you feel all the emotions with this one like I did it's a really sad one but it's worth the heartache I promise as always I'd love to hear your thoughts and without further ado here's chapter 22
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The first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden light across the bedroom. Jay stirred first, blinking against the sunlight as his mind slowly caught up with the events of the night before. Hailey lay beside him, still tucked into the warmth of the covers, her face peaceful despite the torment she had endured in her nightmare hours earlier.

He carefully shifted in the bed, not wanting to disturb her, but Hailey's eyelids fluttered open, and she turned her head toward him. There was a tiredness in her eyes, the kind that came from more than just lack of sleep.

"Morning," Jay murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Hailey gave him a soft smile but didn't say anything right away. She felt heavy, like the weight of her dream was still pressing on her chest. She didn't want to admit it, but the images from the nightmare hadn't faded. The fear, the sense of loss, it was all still too vivid.

"You didn't sleep much after the dream," Jay noted quietly, his hand gently rubbing her back.

"No, not really," she admitted, her voice quiet. She shifted closer to him, needing the physical reassurance of his presence. "It was bad. Worse than usual."

Jay's brow furrowed, worry etched in his features. "I hate seeing you like that. I know you've been through hell... but you don't have to carry it all alone, Hails. Not anymore."

She sighed, staring up at the ceiling for a moment. "I know. I think... I think we need to go back to therapy."

Jay nodded, relieved she was open to it. "I've been thinking the same thing. Last night was a lot. We need to talk about everything." He paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. "I know you're not the only one carrying heavy stuff. I've got my own fears too. Especially about... going back to the police."

Hailey turned her head to look at him, surprised by his vulnerability. "I didn't realize how much that was weighing on you."

Jay shifted onto his side to face her more fully, his hand finding hers under the covers. "Yeah, it is. It's been a long time since I've worn that badge. After everything with Bolivia... I'm scared, Hails. I don't know if I can go back and be the same guy I was before. Hell, I don't even know if I *want* to be that guy anymore."

Hailey squeezed his hand, understanding. "Then why did you accept Voight's offer?"

Jay sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I thought I needed it. Something to get me back into who I used to be. But the truth is, I don't know if that's the right path. Especially after everything we've been through. I don't want to make that decision without you. Not anymore."

Hailey's heart softened at his words. "We'll figure it out together. But Jay... there's something I need to tell you. Something I've been holding onto for a long time." Her voice wavered, and she looked down at their intertwined hands, her thumb brushing over his knuckles.

Jay's stomach tightened at her tone. "What is it?"

She took a deep breath, her chest tightening with the weight of the confession. "During the year you were in Bolivia... when we weren't talking, and you were ignoring my calls, my texts... I thought you were done with me. I thought... I thought you didn't want me anymore."

Jay's breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. "Hails..."

"I had thoughts of divorcing you," she admitted, the words spilling out now that she had started. "I didn't want to. God, I didn't want to, but you left me with nothing. I thought you had had enough of me, of us. I thought you didn't want this life anymore."