The Road Of Autumn [Interracial/WWBM]✔️

Chapter Thirty: Her Truth

Being afraid of being loved is a terrible disease. Being afraid to love is just as much of a parasite. Recoiling in fear of what could be and withdrawing from the pain of what used to be. It is confusing, not knowing whether you're pushing too far or clinging too closely. But for some reason, even when you bow away and claim surrender, love - regardless if it is given or taken - always finds its way.

December has finally come, making a mockery of my life thus far. With the month given accolades for bringing love ones together, 'tising the season is only tearing my love and I further apart on the contrary.

The blistering cold weather is the only comparable variable for this December. The icy tension in our --Timothy's home is just as unbearable as the rising snow on San Francisco's streets. The unspoken caving us in like last weeks snow storm.

I do not know how long it will be this way, how long we will be this way, but I want it to end. I need it to end.

"Kobe!" I shake the bag of kibbles, listening out for the little pup. "Kobe! I got your favorite food!"

I decided to take a break for this week. I will not be in the office, instead I will be in Timothy's humble abode - that feels more or less humble these days - hoping to find relaxation and even an excuse to work on mending the broken stitches in our relationship.

Unfortunately for me, the one that agreed with my proposition to take a break from the office, is not even here to aid in my relaxation process. I should have known this plan would not work out; he is a doctor. I cannot expect him to stop saving lives to save our relationship. That would be selfish.

Very selfish, Autumn.

I sigh aloud, noticing that Kobe has yet to surface. I return the kibbles to the pantry, closing the door afterwards. I glance around the empty kitchen one last time before padding out into the next few rooms to find him.

"Kobe?"

He is not in the living room.

"Kobe! Come here pup!"

He is not in the dining room.

"Kobe... Come on!"

He is not in Timothy's study.

I groan aloud once more and make my way towards the stair banister. Just as I lift a foot to the steps, the jiggling of a doorknob halts me in my tracks completely. Timothy is at the hospital. The visitor cannot be him. Karen says she and Ryan are stopping by later - when Timothy returns home. I am not expecting anyone else.

The violent jiggle of the doorknob follows the rhythm of my erratically beating heart. I cannot move. I am trying, but I cannot move.

One foot after the other, Autumn!

I nod at my conscience. One foot after the other, I inwardly scream at myself. But that one foot does not budge. I am cemented to the wooden floors, grounded by my fear of the unknown.

The door continues to jiggle for a few minutes more before muffled voices replace the horrid sound. I cannot catch what the person or persons are saying, but they do sound frustrated.

Suddenly, my nearby cellphone screeches Timothy's terribly cute ringtone; Michael Bublé's rendition of Doris Day's nineteen-fifty six Dream a Little Dream of Me.