TNN ONESHOTS

Dad's anniversary - MK & AFK

Marjorie walked into the office, her eyes slightly puffy and red, a telltale sign that she had been crying. The usual buzz of Monday morning felt muted to her as she made her way to her desk, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. She tried to compose herself, smoothing her hair and forcing a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Autumn was already seated at her own desk in the office and noticed right away. She had always been attuned to Marjorie's moods, and today was no exception. The moment Marjorie sat down, Autumn could see the remnants of tears glistening on her cheeks. Concern washed over her, and she decided to approach her friend.

"Hey, Marjorie," Autumn said in her usual tone while she stayed sat at her desk. "Is everything okay? You look like you've had a rough morning." she asked, her voice softening ever so slightly. Marjorie glanced up, her facade faltering for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a nod. Autumn wasn't convinced, though. She knew when something was off, and she was secretly determined to be there for Marjorie, no matter what.

Marjorie took a deep breath, feeling the lump in her throat grow as she glanced at Autumn. She knew just by the look on her face that there was no hiding it anymore. "Actually, Autumn, it's the two-year anniversary of my dad's death today," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. Tears began to well up in her eyes again, and she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand, but it was no use; they spilt over, leaving streaks on her cheeks.

As Marjorie's words tumbled out, the weight of her emotions became too much to bear. Autumn could see the tension in her friend's shoulders, the way her hands trembled as she spoke. Without thinking, Autumn stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Marjorie, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Marjorie melted into the hug, the dam she had built around her feelings, finally breaking. She cried into Autumn's chest, the tears soaking through her shirt as she let out all the pain she had been holding inside. "I just miss him so much," she sobbed, her voice muffled by Autumn's comforting presence.

As the tears flowed, Marjorie became increasingly worked up, her breaths coming in sharp gasps. "I can't believe he's really gone! It feels so unfair!" she cried, her heart racing as panic began to set in. Autumn held her tighter, whispering soothing words, reminding her to breathe. "It's okay, Marjorie. I'm here. Just take a deep breath with me," she encouraged, guiding her friend through calming breaths.

With each inhale and exhale, Autumn could feel Marjorie slowly start to regain control. The warmth of the hug and Autumn's steady presence helped ground her, allowing her to release the pent-up emotions without spiralling further. "You're not alone in this," Autumn murmured, her voice steady and reassuring. "I'm right here with you." Marjorie finally began to calm down, the tears still flowing but now accompanied by a sense of comfort from the friendship that enveloped her like a protective shield.

Autumn's expression softened as she moved to look at Marjorie, her heart aching for her friend. "Oh, Marjorie, I'm so sorry," she said gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Marjorie's cheek as she wiped her tears with her thumb. "I can't imagine how hard that must be for you."

Marjorie nodded, her emotions spilling out once again as she spoke. "It just feels like yesterday, and yet so much has changed. I thought it would get easier, but some days are just really tough." Autumn moved slowly as she wiped Marjories eyes gently, trying to help regain her composure. Autumn listened intently, offering her silent support as Marjorie shared memories of her dad, the laughter they had shared, and the void that his absence had left in her life. "He sounds like he was great company. " Autumn whispered quietly while looking at Marjorie. She nodded slowly before falling into Autumn's embrace once more.

Autumn noticed that Marjorie was still visibly shaken. She gently ran her hand up and down Marjorie's back, trying to soothe her. "Hey, maybe it's time for you to go home and take care of yourself. You've been through a lot today," Autumn suggested softly.

Marjorie looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But I don't want to be alone," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of returning to an empty house filled her with dread, and she instinctively clung to Autumn's arm. "Can you please come with me? I just... I need you there."

Autumn hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. Her head was telling her to push her away and be cold towards her, but her heart was saying something else. She could see how much Marjorie needed her, and the last thing she wanted was for her friend to feel isolated in her grief. "Of course, I'll go with you," she replied, a slight smile breaking through the concern on her face. "Let's get you home."

As they walked side by side, Autumn offered Marjorie her arm for support. The path felt less daunting with her friend by her side, and Marjorie began to feel a sense of relief wash over her. They shared quiet conversations, with Autumn reminding Marjorie that it was okay to feel what she was feeling. Together, they reached Marjorie's front door, and even as they stepped inside, Autumn knew that her presence would help make the rest of the day a little less lonely for her friend.

As the afternoon wore on, the weight of the day still hung heavily on Marjorie's shoulders. Autumn led her into the cosy living room, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light across the space. "You should really try to get some rest," Autumn suggested gently, glancing at the couch that beckoned with its inviting cushions.

Marjorie shook her head slightly, her exhaustion evident but her mind racing. "I don't think I can sleep," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Autumn smiled softly, knowing that sometimes a little nudge in the right direction could help.

"Why don't you lie down on the couch? I'll be right here with you," Autumn offered, settling into an armchair nearby with a book in hand. "Just close your eyes and listen to me read. It might help you relax." As much as Autumn hated being seen as soft, she knew she had to let all her fronts down to help Marjorie.

After a moment of hesitation, Marjorie nodded, the idea of having Autumn close by comforting her. She curled up on the couch, pulling a soft blanket over herself. Autumn began to read aloud, her voice steady and soothing, weaving through the pages of the story.

As the words flowed, Marjorie felt her eyelids growing heavier. The combination of Autumn's calming presence and the gentle cadence of her voice began to lull her into a state of peace. Before long, the tension in her body melted away, and she drifted off to sleep, the blanket wrapped snugly around her.

Autumn continued to read, glancing over at her friend occasionally, a smile on her face. She felt a sense of relief knowing that Marjorie was finally getting some much-needed rest. In that quiet moment, surrounded by the soft rustle of pages turning, Autumn felt grateful for their friendship and the comfort they found in each other's company.