Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir - Silence and Sound

Chapter 16: Palliate

Scott pulled away from Tessa. 

We don't need this right now. The Stars on Ice tour would begin soon, and how could they train if she didn't value him? It would obliterate their efforts if nothing they did mattered to her. 

However Dr. Qureshi was fixated on Tessa, allowing her to verbalise her fears. 

"We've always struggled to put into words exactly what we mean to each other. But lately with the distance between us, sometimes I wonder if it's anything at all."

If only I could be anywhere but here. It's not Tessa I hurt, it's her hurting me - again. It was Tessa who avoided me during the last few days of the games, Tessa who insisted that we couldn't be open about our relationship. How could I have missed all these red flags?

He wouldn't express his cold feelings like she did, but he didn't need to. Dr. Qureshi startled both of them.

"Usually in situations like these, I would advise my patients to take some space. But your case, Tessa and Scott, is a very fragile one. Not only do you live together, but you built your entire careers together. It is only natural that spending that much time together can become tense, but that does not mean time apart will make you any more rational than you are now. Instead, I am going to suggest that you explore your relationship by doing something new, like learning a new skill. Scott, I know you have always cooked for Tessa. Perhaps baking can be your new venture. Or maybe something like pottery or painting can allow you to discover new parts of yourselves. Might I even suggest - travelling?"

They were both exhausted, and the jet-lag became obvious. Dr. Qureshi laughed,

"Just kidding, maybe not travelling. But the arts, I recommend. Remember, if you don't feel like talking, you can always create something beautiful. I'll see you again tomorrow, I booked you in as urgent."

"Wait..." Scott began, "How did you know?"

Dr. Qureshi smiled, "So soon from your trip, this was never going to be an easy matter. Now get along, you two, the stores won't be open all day. Carpe diem!" 

--- 3 hours later ---

Scott had painted a rainy beach from the perspective of his sunglasses. He wore shades when there was no sun, because he knew there was light somewhere. It reminded him of their vacation to British Columbia. They had visited Tofino, a place most went to surf, but they laughed as it poured around them. No person could be seen, it was just them. Their picnic plan had failed, and they soon returned to their car. Inside, they fed each other chicken wraps. Some of the sauce had spilled down Tessa's face, and he had smothered it clean. Oh how they had laughed at their timing, but while it drizzled outside, they shared funny memories and inside jokes only they knew. How could those same memories be with the same person? How could Tessa forget us so soon?

Beside him, Tessa had painted herself. She looked beautiful, but unrecognisable. Her long hair hung loose, as she wore a pair of decorated sunglasses. It was a prototype, without a doubt, for a new business idea. She had always mentioned pursuing fashion, but what surprised him most is how different she looked without him next to her. Rarely did they advertise themselves solo, and indeed, she looked less like Tessa Virtue and more like a Tessa he had never known.

I suppose we couldn't last forever, he thought, awaiting their next session with Dr. Qureshi to hear her speak again.

---

Now now, before you start with me, remember this is a tragic romance. I can't fluff the expectations of love for you, the real world is cruel. All I can say is cherish the good while it is there, because all things have an expiration date. The trilogy is a new, darker tale that's as real as Tessa and Scott's love. I hope you'll enjoy it. Thank you for reading!

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