GUILTY

9

Here's the detailed passage:

Jerome's world had shrunk to the confines of Declan's home, and he was content with that. After everything he'd been through, the thought of facing the outside world terrified him.

When Declan suggested taking him out, Jerome's smile faltered. "I'm okay, Declan. I'd rather stay indoors."

Declan understood, assuming Jerome's reluctance stemmed from guilt over hurting Michael and Lala. But Jerome's reaction to Declan's secretary's visit revealed a deeper issue.

As soon as the doorbell rang, Jerome's eyes widened in panic. He swiftly fled the living room, disappearing into the depths of the house. Declan searched for him, but Jerome remained hidden until the secretary left.

Declan's concern grew. Jerome's behavior wasn't just about guilt; it was a profound fear of interacting with anyone outside their bubble.

That evening, Declan gently broached the topic. "Jerome, I think it would be helpful for you to see a therapist. They can help you work through your fears."

Jerome's face contorted in terror. His breathing quickened, and his body began to shake. Declan immediately regretted mentioning it.

"No, no, no!" Jerome's voice rose, bordering on hysteria. "I won't go! I won't see anyone!"

Declan enveloped Jerome in a calming embrace. "Shh, it's okay. We'll take things slow. I won't push you."

As Jerome's panic subsided, Declan realized the extent of his emotional scars. The once-confident Jerome now cowered at the thought of encountering strangers.

Jerome's mind replayed the horrors of his past, the faces of those he'd hurt, and the unknown dangers lurking outside. His safe haven was Declan's love and protection.

In Declan's arms, Jerome felt secure, but the prospect of facing the world beyond their sanctuary paralyzed him.

"I'm trapped," Jerome thought, desperation creeping in. "I'll never want  to leave this house again."

Declan held him close, whispering reassurances. "You're safe with me, Jerome. We'll face this together."

As the night wore on, Jerome's fears receded, replaced by gratitude for Declan's unwavering support.

But Declan couldn't shake off the worry. Jerome's isolation was a double-edged sword – protecting him from the world, yet keeping him prisoner in his own mind.

Jerome's eyes fluttered open, his mind foggy from sleep. He reached out, expecting Declan's warm presence beside him. But his hand grasped empty air.

Panic set in, his heart racing. Jerome's gaze frantically scanned the room, but Declan was nowhere to be seen.

"Declan!" Jerome's voice shook, tears welling up.

He threw off the covers and rushed downstairs, his bare feet pounding the stairs.

"Declan!" he screamed, his voice echoing through the empty halls.

The silence was deafening.

Jerome's mind unraveled, fears and doubts swirling like a maelstrom.

He stumbled through the kitchen, hoping to find some sign of Declan.

But the room was deserted, the only sound the ticking clock.

The phone rang, shrill and insistent.

Jerome ignored it, overwhelmed by his anguish.

The phone rang again, and again.

On the tenth ring, Jerome's trembling hand picked up.

"Baby, sorry I left you sleeping," Declan's voice dripped with warmth. "I didn't want to ruin your sleep. There's breakfast in the microwave, your favorite—"

But Jerome's fear had consumed him.

"You left me!" Jerome's voice cracked, anguish pouring out. "You promised never to leave me!"

The phone slipped from Jerome's grasp, smashing against the wall.

Jerome crumpled to the floor, his body wracked with sobs.

He couldn't breathe.

His vision blurred.

Fear consumed him.

"Declan, come back!" Jerome's scream echoed through the empty house.

But only silence replied.

Hours passed, Jerome's tears drying on his cheeks.

The house felt cold, empty.

Jerome's heart shattered.

He curled into a ball, lost in his darkness.

No comfort came.

No solace.

Only the crushing weight of abandonment.

Jerome's thoughts dissolved into chaos.

Would he ever see Declan again?

Was he truly alone?

The shadows deepened.

Jerome's despair grew.

And in the silence, Jerome's screams went unheard.