Gabby cried herself to sleep on the couch with Zay holding her close, never letting go. He was so worried about her, but he knew she needed time. He stayed up through the night, rubbing her back and whispering soft words of comfort. He couldn't imagine what she was feeling, but he knew he had to be there for her.
When Gabby finally woke up, the sun was setting, and the house was quiet. She sat up, her eyes still swollen from all the tears, and Zay was sitting beside her, his eyes full of concern.
"Babe..." she started, her voice shaky. "I saw her. I saw my mom today. And it... it broke me."
Zay didn't say anything, just listening closely as she spoke. Gabby looked down, trying to hold herself together.
"She's been gone for so long," Gabby continued, tears starting to well up again. "I was just a little girl when she left me. And now, she shows up out of nowhere, saying she's proud of me, telling me she's sorry... I don't know what to do with that, Zay. I just... I feel like that little girl again, the one she left behind. I feel heartbroken. Sad. Scared."
Zay gently cupped her face with his hands, his eyes full of love and understanding. He kissed her forehead and said, "You don't gotta do anything, babe. You don't have to figure this out today. Just take the time you need. I'm here. Always."
Gabby wiped her face and looked at him with a soft smile. "I just need some time. I don't want to work. I don't want to do anything for a few days. I just need a break, Zay."
Zay nodded, his heart aching for her. "Take all the time you need, baby. I got you. Whatever you need, I'm here."
She got up slowly, feeling drained, and went to run a hot bath to relax. The warm water soothed her aching muscles, and she let herself just be for the first time in what felt like forever. When she was done, she climbed into bed, the weight of everything still hanging over her.
Zay gave her the space she needed, but when he finally came to bed, he didn't say a word. He simply crawled in beside her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He kissed her gently on the lips, then on her forehead, her cheeks, and along her jaw, all without a word. His presence alone was all she needed.
Gabby melted into him, feeling the safety and warmth of his love surrounding her. They didn't need to talk. He didn't need to say anything. He just held her through the night, soothing her with the softest touches and the most tender kisses.
And for the first time in a long while, Gabby felt like maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.
To Be Continued...
