SILICON AND SILK

Place to belong

Amelia sat on the edge of the dock, her bare feet dangling just above the surface of the lake. The water glistened under the setting sun, casting a warm glow across the tranquil scene. She hugged her knees to her chest, her eyes lost in the distant horizon. The events of the past few weeks had left her emotionally drained, but there was something calming about this place—a secluded getaway Lucas had insisted they visit.

She turned when she heard Lucas approaching, his footsteps soft on the wooden planks. He carried two cups of steaming tea, his gaze meeting hers as he offered her a smile.

- Thought you might want something to warm you up - Lucas said, handing her one of the cups.

Amelia smiled, taking the cup and wrapping her hands around it, savoring the warmth.

- Thanks. This place... it's beautiful. It's exactly what I needed - she said, her voice soft, her eyes meeting his.

Lucas lowered himself beside her, his gaze drifting over the water.

- I knew it would be. It's always been my place to think. To just... let everything else fade away for a while.

Amelia glanced at him, seeing the honesty in his eyes. She could tell that this place meant something to him, and she was grateful that he had brought her here. She let out a sigh, her shoulders finally relaxing.

- I feel like I've been holding my breath for weeks - Amelia admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Lucas looked over at her, his eyes filled with concern.

- You don't have to anymore. I know things haven't been easy lately, and I haven't made them any easier - he said, his tone full of sincerity. - But I want you to know that I'm here. I want to be the person you can count on, no matter what.

Amelia blinked, a tear escaping down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, giving him a small smile.

- I know, Lucas. I do. And I want the same thing. I want us to get back to a place where all this... fear, all this doubt, isn't hanging over us.

Lucas reached for her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

- We will. It's just going to take time. And I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes - he said, his voice tender.

Amelia felt her heart swell at his words, and she nodded, her fingers tightening around his.

- Thank you - she whispered.

They sat in silence for a while, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. It was the kind of silence that spoke volumes, a quiet understanding between them that things would be okay, even if it took time.

***

The next morning, Amelia was in the kitchen, pouring herself a cup of coffee when she heard a knock on the door. She glanced towards the living room, where Lucas was reading, and then set her cup down to answer the door.

When she opened it, she was met by a man she didn't recognize. He was tall, with a rugged look—his clothes dusty as if he had been traveling for days. He gave her a tentative smile, his eyes glancing past her into the house.

- I'm sorry to drop by unannounced. Is Lucas here? - the man asked, his voice deep and slightly hoarse.

Amelia hesitated, glancing back at Lucas before turning her attention back to the stranger.

- He is. Who should I say is asking for him? - she asked, her voice polite but guarded.

- My name's Jack. Jack Turner. I used to work with Lucas, back in the day - the man said.