Tim found himself waiting for her next to her car after their shift. It was something he hadn't done in a while, but today he had something important to ask her—something he couldn't bring up while they were riding together, something he didn't want their body cams to catch. He was a bit nervous. This was personal, maybe one of the most vulnerable things he'd ever asked, and he was afraid of her response.
"Tim?"
"Lucy..."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, sorry. I just... Are you free tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, why?"
"You don't have to answer right away, but... a few months ago, I joined a veterans' support group. I gave it a try, and, well, I'm still going. Tomorrow, we're having an open meeting where we can bring friends or family. They can share if they want, or just listen. Would you join me? It's totally up to you. If not, that's okay—I'll send you the address anyway. Have a good evening, Luce."
He gave her a warm smile and left. He didn't need an answer just yet. Later that night, he sent her the address and time, nothing more.
The next morning, Tim arrived alone, had a coffee, and started chatting with some of the guys he'd met through the group. People were taking their seats as the meeting began. He glanced around the room; Lucy wasn't there. That was okay. He settled in, listening as a young man shared his story about the struggles of adjusting to civilian life.
Just then, the door opened, and Lucy slipped in. She spotted Tim immediately, focused on the person speaking. She found a spot in a quiet corner, alone, and listened to each person who shared. Then it was Tim's turn. He stood in front of everyone, unaware that Lucy was there, watching from the back.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Tim, acting sergeant in LAPD. Like many of you, I came back with a lot of trauma. For a long time, I thought the best way to handle it was to hide it and not think about it. Well, that was a mistake, and - "
Just then, he spotted her. She'd come. She was in the back, against the wall, listening intently.
"- I messed up. My past hit me hard, and I became that cold, distant guy I used to be in the army. I ruined everything, and most of all, I broke someone's heart. That's probably something I'll never forgive myself for. I had everything: a great job, friends, a woman I loved. And it was all because of me, because of my trauma—I thought it was behind me. But you know what? That was just another lie.
In the army, you follow orders without question. I did things I'm ashamed of, but I was following orders. Like many of you, I still have nightmares. When my past resurfaced, all the guilt and shame came crashing down. I'd hurt people, and the thought of my loved ones discovering that side of me terrified me. I felt worthless, like I didn't deserve anything good. And I made one of the worst decisions of my life. Losing her was a wake-up call. My time in the army wasn't the only reason my mental health was where it was. But I wanted to get better—not just for me, but for her. She made me want to fight to become a better person.
I started therapy. Then one day, I walked through these doors, and I met others just as tired as me. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel so alone. And here I am today. I'm doing better. I'm not 'fixed,' and maybe I never will be, but I'm learning to speak up. I've changed. The person I was would never have stood here talking to you. I should have listened when she first suggested therapy; maybe I could have avoided breaking her heart. Because, in doing that, I broke my own. Thank you for listening. And—"
He looked straight into her eyes.
"I'm sorry. For everything."
His last sentence was for her, his entire speech, for what it was worth. Tim was the last to speak that morning. Some of the other veterans shook his hand, shared a few words. But he was looking for her. She wasn't in the room anymore. Needing air, he stepped outside.
There she was, sitting on a bench. She knew he was there without looking. She stood, facing him.
"You came..."
She didn't need to say anything. She hugged him, her body nestled against his, a warm embrace, just like before. She pulled back, took his hand, and led him to the bench. They sat, her eyes locked on his, her hand still holding his.
"Tim, I'm so proud of you. What you said today was all I needed to hear. It took time for me to understand why you ended things, and it was hard, but I know it was harder for you. You deserve good things, you hear me? You deserve to be loved. And I love you, Tim Bradford. Please forgive yourself—for what happened in the army, for what happened between us. I have. Ask me out, kiss me, hold me. Don't leave me. Never again. I want a life with you. I want kids, a home, another dog—I want it all."
"All?"
"Yes, all of it. The good, the bad, the arguments, the love, everything."
"You know I'm still a work in progress, right?"
"We all are, Tim..."
"Are we okay?"
"I think we are. Your 'small doses' worked."
"Are you going home after this?"
"I already am. You're my home."
They stayed on the bench a little longer, soaking in the aftermath of the morning. He walked her to her car, holding her hand the whole way. Before she left, he hugged her and asked her out. She gave him a soft kiss, a promise for their future. Slowly, they found their way back to each other, and it felt right, in every way.
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01.11.24. Hello! Hi! A little something for you guys. My head is already in S7. I hope for something like that. Hope you're doing well. Take care of you. Please comment and vote, it helps :)
