Only Just Begun

Within Four Walls, Between Two Hearts

Jerry and Carol stumbled into Daniel's building, soaked through, every step echoing with the rain's relentless fury. The wind had stripped away their last shred of warmth and hope. Each soggy stair brought them closer to Daniel's apartment door. Jerry, eyes fierce with resolve, unlocked it. Beyond lay a soft glow of lamps and a hush that swallowed the storm.

— Whose place is this? — Carol asked, trembling.

— Daniel's. — he replied, stepping aside. — He's out with Tessa. We're alone here.

The promise of warmth drew her in. She shook off her coat, water pooling at her feet and took in the familiar comfort: bookshelves bursting with stories, travel trinkets, and that well-loved armchair. Memories whispered in the lamplight.

— Let's get you dry. — Jerry said, disappearing to gather towels. His damp hair framed a face both tense and tender, and her heart skipped.

When he returned, he handed her a towel and a set of soft, gray clothes. 

— Here... put these on. You'll feel better.

Wrapped in the lavender-scented fabric of Tessa's clothes, she slipped into the bathroom. She studied her reflection—pale, raw with emotion—and exhaled. Emerging into the cozy glow of the living room, she found him already seated, calm yet expectant.

They faced each other in silence, the storm's patter the only sound. Inside, their hearts raged.

At last, he broke through the quiet. 

— Carol... we need to talk about us.

Her gaze found his, glistening with sorrow and something hopeful. 

— I know. But where do we even begin?

— Let's start simple. —he said softly. —Just... how you feel. No judgment.

She trembled. 

— Okay.

He inhaled slowly, voice low. 

— What do you feel for me?

Carol's chest tightened. 

— I... I'm afraid. Afraid of what this is, what we might become.

He leaned forward, vulnerability threading his tone. 

— Afraid of happiness? Of giving yourself? I already did... completely. I'm here, vulnerable, hoping you are too.

Tears welled in her eyes.

— I feel... something strong for you. But I'm scared, standing at the edge of the unknown.

He reached for her hand. 

— And you think I wouldn't be there to catch you?

Her voice cracked. 

— But... what about Daphne? The kiss I saw? Both of you looked like... love.

Jerry closed his eyes, his voice trembling. 

— A mistake. A moment I regret every day. It doesn't touch what I feel for you. Daphne means nothing compared to you.

— That's not what I saw...

He rose and paced to the window, his reflection fractured in the glass. 

— I met her in Scotland. We... we kissed. It was stupid. But it meant nothing, not like this.

Carol's tears fell, her heart both aching and relieved. 

— You... you did what I pushed you toward.