𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐒, ˡᵒᵘⁱˢ ᵗᵒᵐˡⁱˢᵒⁿ

𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈. 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘

after seeing louis unexpectedly again, i couldn't stop thinking about it. it felt like the universe was messing with me, like it had some grand plan that i was too oblivious to understand. i couldn't figure out why i kept running into him, and the more i thought about it, the more my mind wouldn't let it go.

i needed to talk to someone who might help me make sense of all this, and there was only one person who could do that—my mum. she always had a way of making everything clearer, of grounding me in the reality that mattered most.

i wasn't in the mood to dress up or impress anyone. i pulled on my checkered pajama bottoms, a white fox hoodie, my fluffy socks, and uggs, and tied my hair back with a claw clip. i wasn't going anywhere fancy—just mum's house—and i didn't need to look put together for that.

when i arrived, mum opened the door with a warm smile, pulling me into a hug like she always did. her embrace was comforting, familiar, and instantly made me feel like all the chaos in my head could be soothed away.

"come in, sweetheart," she said, stepping aside and letting me in. "you look like something's been on your mind."

i followed her into the living room, where the fire was already crackling, and the room felt warm and safe. nothing about her house had changed over the years. the worn, mismatched cushions on the couch, the familiar scent of lavender, and the comforting warmth always felt like home.

"mum, i have a question," i started, sitting down and curling up on the couch. she sat beside me, her eyes soft as she waited for me to continue.

"what do you think about fate?"

her eyebrows lifted slightly, surprised at the sudden heaviness of the question. "fate, huh? well, that's not a light topic for a sunday afternoon," she chuckled, but there was a thoughtful look on her face. "what's brought this on?"

i sighed, pulling my legs up under me as i took a deep breath. "it's just... there's this guy i keep running into. i mean, we've seen each other almost every day for a week, and it's starting to feel... weird? like, is the universe trying to tell me something? is fate real?"

she took a sip of her tea, thinking for a moment before responding. "fate is tricky, love. it's something we all wonder about, whether things are happening by chance or if there's a bigger plan. but sometimes, fate isn't what you think it is. sometimes it's not about the universe pushing you towards someone, but about what you're ready for in yourself."

i stared down at my cup, fidgeting with the edge of my hoodie. "but what if... what if i'm not ready? what if i'm terrified of opening myself up to someone?"

mum smiled softly, reaching out and placing a hand on mine. "i know, darling. i know it's hard. but just because my fate wasn't... ideal with your dad doesn't mean yours will be the same. we both know he left, but that was his choice. it wasn't because of you, and it wasn't because of me. it was his decision, and that's on him."

i felt a lump in my throat as she mentioned dad. even though it had been years since he'd walked out on us, the pain still lingered, like a dull ache that never quite faded. "i just don't want to end up like you did... waiting for someone who won't stay."

mum squeezed my hand gently, her voice soft but firm. "you won't. and just because your dad left, doesn't mean we didn't build something beautiful, imogen. we've got each other, and that's everything we need."

her words were like a balm to my soul. she was right, of course. we had each other, and that had always been enough. but it didn't stop the fear of ending up alone, or worse, falling for someone who didn't care enough to stay.

i took a deep breath, trying to push those thoughts aside. "it's just us, my love," mum continued, her eyes full of warmth. "but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give love a chance when it comes. maybe this guy, louis... maybe he's part of your fate. or maybe not. but you won't know unless you give it a chance."

"louis... yeah," i muttered, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed for even bringing it up. "he's... complicated. he swears a lot, he's sarcastic, and he's kind of mean sometimes. but... he's funny, and i don't know, i feel something. it's weird."

mum smiled knowingly, leaning back in her chair. "sounds like someone who's trying to protect themselves, maybe. or someone who doesn't know how to handle how they feel. either way, it's worth exploring, don't you think?"

i shrugged, unsure of what to say. part of me agreed with her, but the other part of me was terrified. "i don't know, mum. what if it's just... nothing? what if i'm reading too much into it?"

"you're not," she said firmly. "trust your gut, love. and trust yourself. you deserve to find happiness, whether that's with louis or someone else. but don't close yourself off because you're scared. love isn't always easy, but it's worth it."

i nodded, her words sinking in as i stared into the fire. maybe she was right. maybe fate was pushing me toward something, even if it was scary. and maybe, just maybe, i needed to take a chance, no matter how uncertain it felt.

"thanks, mum," i whispered, leaning against her as she wrapped her arm around me.

"anytime, my baby," she murmured. "we've got each other, always."

and somehow, that made everything feel a little bit better.