Maybe This Time

023

The morning sun was just beginning to peek through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow over the cabin grounds. Outside, Lingling stood wrapped in a light sweater, her arms crossed as she looked out over the lake, lost in thought.

The quietness of the morning suited her mood she was still carrying the weight of their conversation from last night, and as much as Orm's words had reassured her, she couldn't shake the flicker of fear that clung to her heart.

Inside, Orm stirred awake, instinctively reaching out to the other side of the bed, only to find it empty. She blinked, then sat up, hugging the pillow for a moment before rising.

Slipping on a warm robe over her nightdress, Orm made her way through the cabin and stepped outside, spotting Lingling standing alone.

Smiling softly, she moved closer, wrapping her arms around Lingling from behind in a gentle embrace.

Lingling let out a small, surprised breath before relaxing into Orm's warmth. "Good morning." she murmured, a hint of a smile breaking through.

Orm rested her chin on Lingling's shoulder, her voice soft. "What's got you out here all alone? Thinking about last night?"

Lingling nodded, her gaze fixed on the lake. "Yeah... it's just, l've been thinking about everything we talked about, and I just.. well, I know l've made promises before, and I don't want to let you down again."

Orm tightened her arms around her, kissing Lingling's cheek. "Hey, you don't have to worry about all of that right now. Remember what you said about this trip? No distractions. Just us, enjoying our time together."

Lingling exhaled, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "You're right," she whispered. "Just us."

Orm gave her another gentle squeeze before releasing her. "Come on inside I'll make us breakfast. Let's make today a good one."

As they headed back into the cabin, Orm set to work in the kitchen, glancing up occasionally to catch Lingling's gaze and smile.

Their relationship was still a work in progress, but in moments like these, with the morning light streaming in and the scent of fresh coffee in the air, both felt the quiet hope of a future they were building together, one small moment at a time.

As they sat together for breakfast, the morning sunlight casting soft shadows across the table. Orm reached for Lingling's hand.

Her gaze was steady, warm, and firm. "Ling," Orm began, her tone gentle but serious, "I know you're scared. I know there's a part of you that thinks you'll somehow mess this up. But I'm here, and I don't plan on going anywhere."

Lingling felt a surge of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Orm's words were exactly what she needed to hear. Then Orm paused, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, and Lingling saw a flicker of resolve in her eyes.

"But," Orm continued, her voice soft yet unwavering, "I need you to understand that I won't stay if things go back to how they were before. I can't be part of a relationship where I'm constantly worried that you're slipping away or overworking yourself to avoid being open with me. I need us to be real with each other."

Lingling swallowed, taking in the weight of Orm's words. It was both a reassurance and a boundary, one that reminded her how fragile trust could be.

She'd already lost Orm once before to her own mistakes she couldn't bear to lose her again. But she also knew Orm deserved a partner who wouldn't let fear dictate their love.

"I get it," Lingling replied, her voice shaky but sincere. "I don't want to make you feel like that ever again. I know I have to keep my promises, not just with words, but by really showing up, everyday."

Orm smiled, her expression softening. "That's all I want, Ling. For us to keep showing up for each other. And I know it's not easy. I'm not asking for perfection, just honesty. If you're feeling overwhelmed, or scared, talk to me."

Lingling nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude. Orm's honesty was a reminder that love wasn't just about grand gestures or big promises it was about the quiet, everyday commitment to being present and vulnerable, even when it was hard.

As they sat together, hands intertwined, Lingling felt a sense of hope she hadn't felt before. She'll knew the road ahead wouldn't be without its challenges, but with Orm's support and her own determination she believed they could make it through.