WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 13

The morning arrived shrouded in tension, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air. Erica woke with a determination she hadn't felt in days.

I need to fix this, she resolved, her heart heavy. I can't keep being a source of frustration for him... for anyone.

After forcing herself to eat breakfast—a meal she barely tasted—she wandered outside. The crisp morning air felt sharp against her skin, but it did little to ease the knot in her stomach. She spotted Sam by the side of the house, stacking firewood. He moved with the practiced rhythm of someone used to hard work, each log landing with a dull thud.

Erica hesitated, wringing her hands. He's going to snap at me again, she thought, her stomach twisting. But I can't just let things stay like this.

She took a shaky breath and approached him cautiously. "Sam..." she began, her voice tentative. "I know I said some things yesterday that probably came out wrong."

Sam didn't even glance at her, his hands busy as he hefted another log into place. His silence only deepened the ache in her chest.

"If you can't do anything right," he said sharply after a long pause, "please just move out of my way."

The words hit her like a slap, the sting leaving her breathless. Erica froze, her heart sinking. Why do I even bother? she thought bitterly. He doesn't want to hear me out.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She waited for him to respond, to even glance at her, but Sam didn't move.

He picked up another log and slammed it into place with more force than necessary. "Sorry doesn't change anything," he muttered, his tone cold and cutting.

Her fists clenched at her sides as anger and hurt churned inside her. I get it, alright? I messed up. But does he have to be so cruel about it?

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, her steps hurried and uneven. Her chest ached, and tears threatened to spill as she rounded the corner of the house.

As she disappeared from view, Sam paused mid-motion, the log still in his hands. He sighed deeply, his jaw tightening. Why do you always have to push, Erica? he thought, frustration and guilt warring within him. Why can't you just... understand?

*****

Erica didn't stop walking until she reached the riverbank, the distant sound of rushing water guiding her steps. The cool air brushed against her skin as she dropped onto the grass, hugging her knees to her chest. She let the tears fall freely, her shoulders trembling with the weight of her emotions.

Why is it so hard? she thought, staring at the rippling water. I'm trying. Doesn't he see that? Or does he only see me as some spoiled brat who doesn't belong here?

The memory of his sharp words echoed in her mind: "If you can't do anything right..." She pressed her forehead against her knees, the pain in her chest growing heavier. He's right, isn't he? she thought bitterly. I'm useless here. Just a burden.

Time passed in a blur as she sat there, the ache in her chest deepening. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground, but Erica didn't move. She felt numb, the chill of the evening air seeping into her bones.

*****

Back at the house, Sam's unease grew with each passing hour. He had finished the chores, but Erica was still nowhere to be seen. His eyes flicked toward the clock, then out the window, where darkness had already settled.

Where the hell did she go? he thought, irritation and worry gnawing at him.

Grabbing a flashlight, he headed out into the night, his steps brisk and purposeful. The beam of the flashlight cut through the darkness as he searched the fields and paths surrounding the house. His frustration grew with every empty spot he checked.

Finally, near the river, he spotted her crumpled figure. She was curled up on the ground, her bare feet streaked with dirt, her face pale and still.

"Erica," he called, his voice firm as he approached.

When she didn't respond, a flicker of panic surged through him. Kneeling beside her, he shook her shoulder gently. "Hey, wake up," he said, his voice soft but urgent.

Her eyelids fluttered open, and she let out a faint murmur. Relief flooded through Sam, and he exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"You scared the hell out of me," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. Why do you always have to make things so difficult?

Without another word, he scooped her up in his arms. She felt lighter than he expected, and the sight of her tear-streaked face tugged at something deep inside him. Damn it, Erica.

*****

When Erica woke, the soft glow of a lantern greeted her. She blinked, disoriented, as the scent of warm broth filled the air. She noticed a bowl on the bedside table, the steam curling lazily upward.

Slowly, she sat up, her body sore and heavy with exhaustion. Sam sat nearby, his arms crossed, his gaze distant but watchful.

"Eat your food," he said curtly, nodding toward the bowl.

Erica reached for it, her hands trembling. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

Sam's eyes flicked toward her briefly before he looked away. "Don't make me have to go looking for you again," he said, his tone gruff but lacking its usual bite.

Her throat tightened as she nodded. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "For everything."

Sam let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not angry because you're here, Erica. I'm angry because you don't try to understand what this life is like. It's not about just working hard—it's about surviving. You've got to start looking beyond yourself."

His words hit her hard, and she stared down at the bowl in her hands. "I know I've been selfish," she admitted. "I just... I've never had to do any of this before. And it's not that I don't care—I just don't know how."

Sam studied her for a long moment, his expression softening ever so slightly. "You could start by asking for help instead of running away," he said simply.

A small, hesitant smile tugged at her lips. "Is that your way of saying you're willing to help me?"

Sam shrugged, a faint smirk ghosting across his face. "Maybe. If you stop making everything harder than it needs to be."

Erica let out a soft laugh, the tension in her chest easing for the first time in days. "Deal."

As she ate, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Maybe he doesn't hate me after all, she thought, warmth blooming in her chest.

Sam watched her silently, his gruff exterior still intact, but his thoughts betrayed him. This girl... she's more trouble than she's worth. But maybe... just maybe, she's worth the trouble.