Falling through the cracks

Part 7: The Roots We Grow

Title: "Falling Through the Cracks – Part 7: The Roots We Grow"

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The morning sun filtered through the curtains of their bedroom, painting the walls in golden hues. Ivy woke to the soft rhythm of Sam’s breathing, her fiancée’s arm draped protectively across her waist. A year had passed since the proposal, and with their wedding only weeks away, the days felt surreal—like they were finally stepping into a dream they had both quietly nurtured.

But with the excitement came Ivy’s lingering fears. Would she be enough for Sam in the years to come? Could she navigate the pressures of life without losing the balance she had fought so hard to achieve?

These thoughts often crept in when she was alone, but today, as Ivy turned to watch Sam stir awake, her worries felt a little quieter.

“Morning, soon-to-be Mrs. Sam Grayson,” Ivy teased, brushing a strand of hair from Sam’s face.

Sam chuckled, her eyes still closed. “Technically, you’re about to be Mrs. Ivy Grayson,” she countered, pulling Ivy closer.

Ivy laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I guess we’ll both just have to share the title.”

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As they prepared for the wedding, Ivy found herself reflecting on the journey that had brought them here. Therapy had given her tools to manage her mental health, but Sam had been the constant reminder that she didn’t have to face everything alone.

One day, as they sat together finalizing seating arrangements, Sam looked at Ivy with a thoughtful expression.

“Do you ever think about how far we’ve come?” Sam asked, her voice soft.

Ivy nodded. “All the time. I think about those days when I felt like I was falling apart, and now... it feels like we’ve built something solid. Something I never thought I’d have.”

Sam reached for her hand. “You’ve always been strong, Ivy. You just needed a little help to see it. And for the record, I think you’re amazing.”

Ivy smiled, squeezing Sam’s hand. “I think we’re amazing.”

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The wedding day arrived, a warm spring afternoon with the scent of blooming flowers in the air. They chose a small, intimate ceremony in the garden of a charming historic house, surrounded by family and close friends.

As Ivy stood at the altar, her heart raced—not with fear, but with anticipation. Sam stood opposite her, radiant in a simple ivory dress, her eyes filled with unwavering love.

When it was Ivy’s turn to speak her vows, she took a deep breath, her voice steady but emotional.

“Sam, you came into my life when I was falling, and instead of letting me hit the ground, you caught me. You showed me that love isn’t about fixing someone but about growing together, even through the cracks. You’ve taught me how to laugh again, how to hope again, and most importantly, how to love myself. I promise to stand by you through every season, every storm, and every sunrise. I love you more than words can ever say.”

Sam’s eyes glistened with tears as she repeated her vows, echoing the same depth of love and commitment.

When they kissed, the garden erupted in applause, and Ivy felt something she hadn’t believed possible: complete, unshakable happiness.

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In the weeks after their wedding, they settled into married life with ease. The balcony garden remained their haven, a place where they often sat in the evenings, talking about their day or dreaming about the future.

One evening, as they watered the plants together, Sam turned to Ivy with a playful smile. “What do you think about expanding the garden?”

Ivy raised an eyebrow. “Expand? To where? The balcony’s pretty full.”

Sam hesitated, then pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket. It was a listing for a small house on the outskirts of the city, complete with a big backyard.

“I’ve been thinking,” Sam said. “Maybe it’s time for us to grow—literally and figuratively. A backyard, a little more space, maybe even a dog? What do you think?”

Ivy stared at the listing, her mind racing. The idea scared her, but it also filled her with a quiet excitement. A house. A home. A new chapter.

“I think...” Ivy began, her voice trembling slightly. “I think I’m ready.”

Sam beamed, pulling Ivy into a tight hug. “I knew you would be.”

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A few months later, they moved into their new home. The backyard quickly became their new project, transforming into a vibrant garden that mirrored their love: colorful, resilient, and ever-growing.

They planted trees with deep roots, flowers that bloomed in every shade imaginable, and even a small vegetable patch. It became a symbol of their journey—a life built not by avoiding the cracks, but by embracing them and filling them with light.

One afternoon, as they sat under the shade of a young tree, their new puppy dozing at their feet, Ivy turned to Sam.

“Do you think we’ll ever stop growing?” Ivy asked.

Sam shook her head, smiling. “I don’t think so. And I wouldn’t want to.”

Ivy rested her head on Sam’s shoulder, her heart full. “Neither would I.”

And as they watched the garden sway gently in the breeze, Ivy knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together—rooted in love, and blooming through every crack.

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