Title: "Falling Through the Cracks – Part 9: A Light That Always Returns"
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Autumn settled over the town like a quiet sigh, painting the world in shades of amber and gold. The leaves fell softly, carpeting the garden Ivy and Sam had poured so much love into. The once-vivid blooms were beginning to fade, but their roots were strong, promising life would return when the seasons shifted again.
For Ivy, autumn had always been a season of reflection. It reminded her of how far she had come, but also of the lingering fears that sometimes stirred in the cool air. Yet, this year felt different. She and Sam had built something unshakeable—a life that weathered storms and celebrated every sliver of sunlight.
But life, as always, had a way of testing even the strongest foundations.
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It started with a letter. Ivy had applied to an artist residency months ago, encouraged by Sam to share her work with the world. She hadn’t expected much, so when the envelope arrived, her hands trembled as she tore it open.
“You’ve been accepted,” the letter began, “to the three-month residency program in France.”
Her breath caught. France. It was a dream—a chance to immerse herself in her art, to grow in ways she hadn’t imagined. But as the excitement faded, anxiety crept in.
What would it mean to be away from Sam for so long? Could she handle the distance? Would it undo all the progress she’d made?
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That evening, Ivy sat with Sam in their cozy living room, the letter clutched in her hands.
“You got in?” Sam asked, her eyes lighting up as Ivy handed her the paper.
Ivy nodded, biting her lip. “I did. But... I don’t know if I can go.”
Sam frowned, concern flickering across her face. “Why not? Ivy, this is incredible! You’ve wanted something like this for so long.”
“I don’t want to leave you,” Ivy admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if being away makes everything harder? What if I fall apart again?”
Sam took Ivy’s hands in hers, grounding her. “You won’t fall apart. You’re stronger than you think, Ivy. And I’ll be here, cheering you on every step of the way. Just because we’re apart doesn’t mean I won’t be with you.”
Tears welled in Ivy’s eyes. “You really think I can do this?”
Sam smiled, her voice steady. “I know you can. And besides, three months isn’t forever. When you come back, I’ll be right here, waiting for you.”
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The weeks leading up to Ivy’s departure were a whirlwind of preparation and emotion. Sam helped her pack, sneaking little notes into Ivy’s suitcase with words of encouragement.
The day Ivy left, they stood at the airport gate, holding each other tightly.
“You’ve got this,” Sam whispered, brushing a tear from Ivy’s cheek.
“And you’ve got me,” Ivy replied, her voice breaking.
As Ivy walked away, boarding pass in hand, she glanced back one last time. Sam waved, her smile steady, and Ivy carried that image with her as she stepped into the unknown.
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France was a revelation. Ivy spent her days surrounded by fellow artists, each of them pouring their souls into their work. She found herself inspired by the cobblestone streets, the golden light, and the quiet hum of a world so different from her own.
But it wasn’t always easy. There were nights when the loneliness crept in, when she longed for the comfort of Sam’s arms and the familiarity of home. On those nights, Ivy turned to the little notes Sam had written, tucked into every corner of her suitcase.
“I’m so proud of you,” one read. “The world is better with your art in it.”
Another simply said, “I love you. Always.”
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The residency passed in a blur of color and creation. Ivy painted with an intensity she hadn’t felt in years, pouring her emotions onto the canvas. By the time the program ended, she had not only grown as an artist but also as a person.
Returning home was bittersweet. As much as she had loved her time in France, she ached to be with Sam again.
When she finally stepped off the plane, her heart leapt at the sight of Sam waiting for her, a bouquet of sunflowers in hand.
“You’re here,” Ivy said, running into Sam’s arms.
“Of course I’m here,” Sam replied, holding her tightly. “I told you—three months isn’t forever.”
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Back at home, Ivy shared her experiences, showing Sam the sketches and paintings she had created.
“These are incredible,” Sam said, marveling at Ivy’s work. “I knew you’d shine out there.”
Ivy smiled, her heart full. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Knowing you were with me, even from afar... it made all the difference.”
Sam cupped Ivy’s face, her eyes brimming with love. “You’re amazing, Ivy. And I’ll always be here to remind you of that, no matter where life takes us.”
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The garden, now resting for winter, was a quiet reminder of their journey. As they stood together on the porch, watching the leaves swirl in the wind, Ivy reached for Sam’s hand.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“For what?” Sam asked, her brow furrowing.
“For catching me,” Ivy replied. “For helping me find the light, even when I didn’t believe it was there.”
Sam smiled, squeezing Ivy’s hand. “You found it yourself, Ivy. I just held the door open.”
And as the seasons continued to change, Ivy and Sam knew that whatever came next, they would face it together—with roots that ran deep and a light that always returned.
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YOU ARE READING
Falling through the cracks
Romance"Falling Through the Cracks" follows Ivy and Sam, two women trying to navigate lives filled with quiet despair. Ivy hides behind a façade of strength, masking the loneliness that has consumed her since losing her family's support. Sam, an artist who...
