WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 10

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows over the landscape, Erica and Sam walked back toward Aunt Nena's house. The day had been long, filled with fields, walking, and trying to adjust to the life she was beginning to realize might be more difficult than she had anticipated. The air was thick with the sounds of crickets and the soft rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze stirred the trees around them. The peacefulness of the countryside contrasted sharply with the turmoil churning inside Erica.

She glanced over at Sam, who walked beside her, his hands shoved casually in his pockets. The contrast between them could not have been more obvious. Why can't I be as relaxed as he is? Erica thought, her frustration rising again. He's always so calm, like he's immune to the weight of the world.

But the longer they walked in silence, the more Erica's mind churned. I need to let it out. The thought pushed its way to the surface, insistent and overwhelming. She took a deep breath, gathering the courage to break the silence.

Finally, she spoke up, her voice quieter than usual. "You don't really understand what it's like for me."

Sam stopped walking and turned to look at her, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "What do you mean?" His voice was more curious than dismissive, a rarity for him.

Erica hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words, unsure of how to explain something so deeply ingrained in her. "In the city, I was always around people who expected so much from me. My friends are all wealthy and successful, and I feel this pressure to fit in." She paused, letting the words hang in the air, her throat tight as she tried to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.

It feels good to finally say it out loud. She wasn't used to being vulnerable, but something about the way Sam was looking at her made it easier.

"I just want to blend in, you know?" she continued, her voice cracking slightly. "I want to be someone they look up to. I don't want to be the odd one out." She lowered her gaze, feeling her heart beat faster. "But now, everything is so different. The responsibilities I have feel so heavy, like they're choking me. I'm stuck here, and I don't know how to escape."

Sam stood in silence, his expression unreadable, but his eyes softened as he listened. I didn't expect him to care. Her chest tightened with a mixture of gratitude and frustration.

Sam finally spoke, his voice quiet and thoughtful. "That sounds tough. But running away won't help. You need to face it, even if it's hard."

Erica clenched her fists at her sides, her frustration bubbling to the surface again. Easier said than done. "I understand that," she muttered. "But how can I do it? Every time I try to stand out, I just feel like I'm failing. Like I'm not enough." Her words came out in a rush, the weight of them finally lifting from her chest.

Sam was silent for a long moment, clearly thinking over what she said. When he spoke, his voice was steady and unwavering. "You are enough, Erica. Just because you're not like your friends doesn't mean you don't matter. Sometimes, you have to accept who you are, flaws and all."

Flaws? Erica frowned, her heart heavy. "But it seems like everyone expects perfection. I don't want to ruin their image of me."

Sam's gaze softened, and his tone remained calm. "Do you think they're perfect?" He shook his head slightly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Everyone has their own struggles. You're not alone in feeling insecure."

Erica felt a strange, flickering sense of relief wash over her, but it was quickly followed by doubt. Could it really be that simple? She glanced at Sam, still unsure. But why does he care? He always seems so indifferent, so distant. Yet here he was, patiently listening and offering advice when it felt like no one else ever did.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. Erica didn't know what to say, so she simply let the silence stretch out.

"It's just so hard," she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wish I could be as confident as you."

Sam's expression shifted, and for the first time, Erica saw something close to vulnerability flicker in his eyes. "You see me as confident?" His voice was softer than usual, and he paused as if weighing his next words. "I have my own insecurities too."

Erica blinked, caught off guard. "Really? What do you have to be insecure about?"

Sam chuckled, the sound quiet and surprisingly light. "You'd be surprised. Everyone has their own battles. Just because I look grumpy doesn't mean I don't feel things."

Erica stopped walking for a moment, the words settling over her like a weight. He's not perfect either.

"I guess I never thought of it like that," she admitted, her voice unsteady. For a brief moment, she felt a warmth spread through her chest, as though something inside of her was beginning to shift.

They continued walking, but now the tension between them seemed to have dissolved, replaced by something quieter, more understanding. The path stretched ahead of them, and Erica felt like maybe—just maybe—she wasn't as alone in this as she had thought.

"Thanks for listening, Sam," Erica said after a while, her voice steadier now. "I didn't mean to dump all that on you."

Sam shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's okay. I understand. Sometimes talking helps." He gave her a glance, his eyes softening. "Just remember, it's okay to be yourself, even if you're not perfect."

Why does he care? The question still lingered in Erica's mind, but now it wasn't as urgent, more like a passing curiosity. She couldn't understand it completely, but for once, she didn't mind.

As they neared the house, Erica felt the weight of the day's worries begin to lift, just a little. The quiet conversation had done more for her than she expected. Maybe we're not so different after all.

And for the first time in a long time, Erica felt a spark of hope ignite deep within her. Maybe accepting herself didn't have to be so hard. Maybe, with time and patience, she could start to feel okay about who she was—even if she wasn't perfect.

The evening air was cool and calming, and with Sam by her side, Erica felt like perhaps, for once, things were going to be alright.