TNN ONESHOTS

The message - MK & RK

Marjorie stood under the warm cascade of water, letting the steam envelop her like a comforting blanket. Each droplet seemed to wash away the stress of the day, a gentle reminder that she could leave her worries behind, if only for a moment. The soothing sound of water hitting the tiles created a serene backdrop, allowing her to breathe deeply and find solace in the routine.

Meanwhile, Reece sat quietly on their bed, the soft light filtering through the curtains casting a warm glow around the room. He could hear the faint sound of water running, a reminder of Marjorie's presence. As he waited, he reflected on the day they had shared—the challenges they faced, the laughter that broke through the tension, and the love that always seemed to find a way to shine through even the darkest moments. His thoughts drifted as he waited for Marjorie to finish her shower. The room was quiet except for the sound of water cascading, a soothing rhythm that contrasted sharply with the sudden buzz of Marjorie’s phone lighting up beside him. Curiosity pique. He glanced over at the screen, and his heart sank as he read the message.

His eyes widened in disbelief. The text was from an old friend, expressing concern about Marjorie and hinting at something far more serious than he had imagined. The words leapt off the screen: "I just want to make sure she's okay. I heard she’s been thinking about using drugs."

Reece felt a chill run down his spine. How had he lost sight of how broken Marjorie truly was? He thought back to their recent conversations, the subtle hints of her struggles that he had brushed off, believing they could weather any storm together. But this—this was a wake-up call he couldn’t ignore.

As the water continued to run, he felt a mix of fear and determination. He knew he had to be there for her, to reach out and pull her back from the edge. The connection they shared had always been their strongest weapon against life’s challenges, and now it was more critical than ever. He took a deep breath, ready to confront the truth and support Marjorie in any way he could. The moment she stepped out of the shower, he would be there, ready to listen and remind her that she wasn’t alone.

After what felt like an eternity, Marjorie stepped out of the shower, her hair damp and her skin glistening. Reece's heart swelled as he waited anxiously for her, but knowing that they were partners in this journey of life, they would always find strength in each other. As she wrapped herself in a towel and entered the bedroom, she smiled at him. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him. How did he not notice the fake smile? The smile didn't reach her eyes like it used to, her eyes slowly losing the light and sparkle that they once held.

Reece sat on the edge of the bed, his heart pounding as he watched Marjorie emerge from the bathroom. The message still echoed in his mind, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that had settled in his stomach. When she finally stepped out, her hair damp and her expression soft, he knew he had to ask.

“Marjorie,” he started, his voice trembling slightly. “Can we talk for a minute? I need to know… Are you doing drugs?”

She paused, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, the silence hung heavily in the air between them. Slowly, she shook her head, her gaze dropping to the floor. Reece felt a mix of relief and concern wash over him. But then, without warning, Marjorie collapsed against his chest, her body trembling.

“I thought about it,” she admitted, her voice muffled against him. “I thought about it to numb the pain.”

Reece wrapped his arms around her tightly, feeling the weight of her confession settle in his heart. He could feel her tears soaking through his shirt, and he held her closer, wishing he could take away her hurt. “You don’t have to go through this alone,” he whispered, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. “I’m here for you. We’ll get through this together.”

Marjorie looked up at him, vulnerability etched on her face. In that moment, he knew that they would face the darkness together, one step at a time.

“Hey, let me help you get ready for bed” he said gently, moving closer to her. He grabbed a fluffy towel and began to dry her off, starting with her arms and shoulders. The warmth of the towel contrasted with the chill of the bathroom air, and he could see her relax a little under his touch.

“Thanks, Reece,” she murmured, her voice still tinged with the vulnerability from earlier. He continued to dry her, taking care to be gentle and reassuring, his heart swelling with a mix of love and protectiveness.

Once she was dry, he helped her into a comfortable oversized sweater and soft leggings, making sure she felt cosy and secure. “You look perfect,” he said, offering her a warm smile before gently putting her hair pack into a ponytail to keep it from her face.

With her dressed, he guided her to their bed, pulling back the covers and helping her settle in. He tucked her in carefully, making sure she felt snug and safe. As he climbed in beside her, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

“Just focus on resting,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’m right here.”

Marjorie nestled against him, the warmth of his body providing comfort. In that moment, the world outside faded away, and all that mattered was the connection they shared, the understanding that they would face whatever came next together.