Maybe This Time

028

Late one evening, Lingling sat alone in their quiet home, a cup of tea cooling beside her and a blank sheet of paper before her. She knew she had apologized to Orm many times before, and they had both worked hard to rebuild their relationship.

Deep down, Lingling felt that she needed to express something more an acknowledgment of each moment that had left scars, a letter to show Orm how deeply she understood the hurt she'd caused.

After a deep breath, Lingling picked up her pen, letting her heart guide her words..

My Dearest Orm,

I've thought long and hard about the past, about the moments that still weigh heavily on my heart. I know l've apologized before, but there are things I never fully acknowledged, things I never put into words. I realize now that I need to do this, not just for you, but for myself as well, to fully let go of the hurt l've caused and to give us the space to heal.

I remember when I missed your birthday dinner that year. I had promised to be there, and then something came up at work, something that, in the grand scheme of things, didn't matter nearly as much as I thought it did. You waited for me, alone in the restaurant, and I know now how deeply that hurt you. I convinced myself I was doing it for our future, that I had to make these sacrifices to be "successful." But it wasn't success it was selfishness. I am so sorry for putting anything above you.

There was also that time you asked me to come with you to visit your family. You wanted to share that part of your life with me, to let me in, and I brushed it off because I felt it was a "waste of time." Looking back, I can see the hurt in your eyes, the disappointment, and the feeling that I didn't value the things that mattered to you.

I realize now how important it was for you to have me by your side, and I wish I could go back and do things differently. I'm so sorry for not valuing your world as much as you valued mine and then there were all those nights you tried to talk to me, to tell me about the things that worried you or the little victories in your day, and I barely listened.

I thought I had more important things to focus on, but nothing was more important than you. I realize now that you deserved someone who would listen to you without distractions, who would be fully present. For those lost conversations, those moments where you felt unheard and unseen I am so, so sorry.

I've replayed these moments over and over, wishing I could erase the hurt I caused. I know we can't go back, but I promise you that I have changed. I'm not the same person who took you for granted, and I am determined to make up for those moments with every day we have moving forward.

Thank you, Orm, for forgiving me and for loving me even when I didn't deserve it. You've taught me what love truly means, and I am so grateful to walk this path with you.

With all my heart,
Lingling.

Lingling read over the letter, feeling the weight of each word. She folded it carefully and left it on Orm's bedside table, hoping that these words would show Orm just how deeply she understood and regretted the pain she'd caused.

When Orm found the letter the next morning, she sat down, her heart pounding as she read each word. By the time she reached the end, her eyes filled with tears of joy, of relief, and of the quiet assurance that Lingling truly loved her in a way she'd always hoped for.

She glanced over at Lingling, who was still asleep, her face relaxed in peaceful slumber. Gently, Orm slipped into bed beside her, wrapping her arms around Lingling in a quiet embrace. The warmth and tenderness in her touch stirred Lingling awake, and she smiled, feeling Orm's familiar presence.

"You're up early.." Lingling murmured, her voice still soft with sleep.

Orm didn't respond right away. She simply held Lingling closer, brushing a gentle kiss across her forehead.

After a quiet moment, she looked into Lingling's eyes, her expression tender and filled with gratitude. "I love you, Ling," she whispered, her voice carrying all the forgiveness, trust, and joy Lingling had hoped to rekindle.

Lingling reached up, cupping Orm's face with a soft smile. "I love you, too," she replied, feeling a newfound peace between them as they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, ready to begin this new chapter together.