Tim stood outside her door, unsure if he should be there. Lucy hadn't come to work today, and he was a bit worried. Earlier, he'd checked in on her, but her vague response wasn't convincing. She had called in sick, claiming she was unwell—but he knew her better than she realized. Being sick had never kept her from showing up before. When his shift ended, instead of heading home, he turned left, heading to her place—an old habit. The last time he'd come here, she'd asked him to leave.
The door opened, and they both froze in surprise. She hadn't expected anyone, not even him. She hadn't bothered checking the peephole, assuming it was just Celina, who'd forgotten her keys for the third time that week. They stood there, staring at each other. She held onto the door, dressed in his shirt—the one he thought he'd lost somewhere between work and home. His heart clenched at the sight. She still had it, and she was wearing it.
She suddenly felt exposed, vulnerable under his gaze, like he had stumbled upon her deepest secret. Everything she'd tried to hide for months was now laid bare. And somehow, that hurt. It hurt because the "world" standing there, seeing her like this, was him—Tim.
And it broke him to see her like that. She didn't need to say a word; her eyes spoke volumes. She looked exhausted, worn down.
"You're not really sick, are you?" he asked gently.
She shook her head, admitting the truth. She wasn't sick—just completely drained. This year had been tough: she'd failed her detective exam, thought she'd killed someone, he'd broken her heart, she'd fought with her parents again... And the reminder on social media of what she'd been doing a year ago had been the last straw. Mentally, she was done. She, who encouraged everyone else to seek therapy, had neglected this part of her own life.
"Shoes on. C'mon," he said softly.
Without a word, she obeyed, slipping on her shoes and following him. Because it was him, and because, right now, she didn't want to fight, think, or talk. The drive was quiet—not awkward, just peaceful. He drove until he reached their destination, and she realized they were by the sea. It was a bit ironic since he wasn't fond of the beach, but it was one of her favorite places.
They sat on the small wall overlooking the ocean, the sound of waves crashing on the sand. Lucy closed her eyes, letting the sound wash over her. He knew her so well—maybe too well.
"What's wrong, Lucy?" he asked.
She slowly opened her eyes, took a deep breath, and searched for her words, as if asking her mind what to say.
"Everything and nothing," she finally answered. "I'm so tired of thinking. I just want it all to stop for a minute. My life feels like a joke. I can't pretend anymore. I don't want to feel anything. I'm just...exhausted."
"Luc—"
"No, let me finish. Please. I hated you so much after you broke up with me. I thought I did. I was just mad—mad because it wasn't even your fault. I needed time to understand that. And it killed me to realize how broken you were, and I couldn't help you. Then came the detective exam, Caleb, no promotion, my parents, even Jackson's death, the man I...killed. Everything. This morning, it was all too much. I know I need help—I just realized it today."
She poured everything out, then turned to look at him. Their gaze held so much weight. He wanted to hug her, to comfort her, but her body language told him not to. The silence, the look, and the waves were enough.
"You still have it..." he said quietly.
"What?"
"My shirt."
"Tim, I..."
"It's okay."
"No, Tim, it's not okay." She swallowed hard. "Sometimes, I wish you had broken me more so I could move on."
"Why are you saying that?"
"Because...it was you. It is you, and it will always be you. Despite everything. So yes, I still wear your shirt, and I know I should have given it back, but I can't. I just can't. I'm so pathetic, huh? I still love you. I freaking love you, idiot."
"You're not pathetic. You're just in a bad place right now, and you need help. I know breaking up with you was the last thing you needed, and I'll regret it forever. I know I shut you out when I needed someone. But let me help you now. I'm better. I'm here."
"I know you are."
"And for the record, yes, I'm an idiot—the biggest one. But I'm an idiot in love. I broke up with you because I thought I was protecting you."
"I know."
"Let me help. Let me heal us. You are the love of my life."
And maybe those five little words healed something. She smiled through her tears. Tim took her hand, brushing the top with his thumb like he used to. His hand slid up her arm, and then he wrapped her in his embrace. And it felt right. They sat there, enjoying the silence, the lack of need to say anything. Just them, the waves, and the night.
"The beach, huh?" she said with a small smile.
"You once told me how much you loved the sound of waves to clear your mind."
"But you don't like it."
"But you do."
"I'm proud of you, you know. You're still you, but better."
"When you're ready, just tell me, and I'll drive you home, okay?"
"Okay. Will you stay?"
"If you ask, yes."
"I'm asking you to stay. Please."
He drove her home later that night and stayed with her, sleeping on his side of the bed. She didn't want him on the tiny couch. In the morning, after a big cup of coffee, she dialed her therapist and booked an appointment. They'd confessed their feelings again, and talked things through. The time apart had been long enough. The truth was, they needed each other now more than ever. This time, Lucy asked him on a date, and he, of course, said yes. Who could say no to the love of their life?
« Do you think of me, When you look to the sea? I know it's hard to grow. When you're pushed to your knees, I know our time will pass. Your love it will last, darling, we will never break » ♫
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06.11.24. Hello everyone. A little something for you. Hope you enjoyed it. Take care of you and don't forget to vote and comment it helps :)
Playlist : ♫ : To the see - Seafret feat Rosie Carney.
