Box Of Matches | ✓

32

Colby's arms were a sanctuary for Ariel. He held her close as the weight of her heartbreak began to lift, if only slightly. The chill of the autumn air felt less biting against the warmth of his embrace, a stark contrast to the cold betrayal she had just experienced. The sky was tinged with the soft hues of twilight, casting a gentle light on the scene as Colby guided her towards his car, his touch reassuring and steady.

"Let's get you somewhere more comfortable," Colby said softly, his voice a balm to Ariel's frayed nerves. She nodded, too exhausted to respond verbally, and followed him to the passenger side of the car. The world outside seemed to blur into insignificance as she slid into the seat, trying to compose herself.

Colby started the car and drove with a purposeful calm, choosing a route that took them away from the chaotic remnants of her day. The gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic passing of streetlights provided a steadying backdrop as Ariel stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. The city's bright lights and bustling streets faded into a blur, replaced by the quiet serenity of the outskirts.

After a while, they arrived at Ariel's house. Colby led Ariel inside, the warmth of the interior a comforting contrast to the chilly evening. He told her to take a seat on the couch, which she accepted with a grateful sigh, sinking into the plush cushions.

Colby busied himself in the kitchen, his movements efficient and practiced as he prepared a pot of tea. The gentle clink of the kettle and the aroma of brewing chamomile filled the apartment, creating an atmosphere of calm. Ariel watched him, finding solace in the simple domesticity of the scene. Colby's presence, his quiet efficiency, felt like a lifeline.

When he returned with two steaming mugs, he sat down beside her, handing her one of the cups. Ariel took it with trembling hands, savoring the warmth that radiated from the mug. She took a cautious sip, the soothing effect of the tea starting to ease the tension in her shoulders.

"Thank you," Ariel said softly, her voice still tinged with the remnants of her earlier distress.

Colby nodded, his expression one of genuine concern. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I could be here for you." He paused, looking at her with an intensity that made her feel both vulnerable and understood. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Ariel hesitated, the words catching in her throat. The thought of reliving the pain was daunting, but the comfort in Colby's eyes made her want to share. "It was just so sudden," she began, her voice shaky. "I went over to Bradley's house, and I thought we were going to spend the day together. But when I got there, I saw him with someone else. I just... I don't know how it all went so wrong."

Colby listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face. He didn't interrupt, allowing her to speak at her own pace. "I thought we were building something," Ariel continued, her voice cracking. "He had been so distant lately, but I thought it was just stress or something. I never imagined he'd be cheating on me."

The warmth of the tea seeped through her, but it was Colby's presence that offered the most comfort. "It's okay to feel hurt," he said gently. "What happened wasn't your fault. Sometimes people make choices that are about them and not about you."

Ariel nodded, finding a small measure of solace in his words. "I keep thinking about how I didn't see it coming. And now I feel so stupid for not realizing sooner."

"You're not stupid," Colby reassured her. "Sometimes it's hard to see things clearly when you're emotionally invested. It's natural to trust and believe in someone you care about. What Bradley did was unfair to you, but it doesn't reflect on your worth."

Ariel took another sip of her tea, the warmth spreading through her chest. "I just feel like everything I thought I knew is shattered. I was excited about our future, about the beach house and what we could build together. Now it's all tainted."

Colby's gaze was empathetic, and he reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "The future you envisioned with Bradley might be over, but that doesn't mean you don't have a bright future ahead of you. You have so much to offer, and you deserve someone who will appreciate and value you."

Ariel looked at Colby, her heart swelling with gratitude for his support. "I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't come. I felt so lost."

Colby squeezed her hand gently. "You're not alone, Ariel. I'm here for you, no matter what. We can talk as much or as little as you need. If you just want to sit in silence, that's okay too."

They spent the next few hours in quiet companionship, the soft hum of the apartment's ambiance wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Colby put on a light-hearted movie, something to take her mind off the day's events. The flickering images on the screen and the gentle banter between the characters created a semblance of normalcy, helping Ariel to relax.

As the night wore on, Colby made sure she was comfortable, offering her a cozy blanket and ensuring she had everything she needed. Despite the heaviness of the day, there was a sense of peace in Colby's presence, a reassurance that she wasn't alone in her struggle.

When it was time for Colby to leave, Ariel walked him to the door. He pulled her into a warm hug, his embrace strong and reassuring. "Remember, Ariel," he said softly, "you have people who care about you. Don't let what happened with Bradley make you doubt yourself. You're stronger than you know."

Ariel nodded, her eyes misty but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Colby. For everything."

"Anytime," he replied with a gentle smile. "I'll always be here for you."

Colby took a moment to reflect on their conversation. He looked at her with a thoughtful expression, his eyes filled with concern and empathy.

"You know," Colby began, his tone gentle, "sometimes, when something ends badly, it's important to find a way to let go. To truly move on."

Ariel tilted her head, sensing there was more to what he was about to say. "What do you mean?"

Colby hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I think it might help you to consider burning the memory of Bradley from your life. Not literally, of course, but in a symbolic sense. Sometimes, creating a ritual for letting go can help you find closure."

Ariel looked at him, confusion mingling with curiosity. "Burning the memory? How would I even do that?"

Colby offered a small, understanding smile. "It could be something as simple as writing down everything you feel about him and then destroying the paper. Or maybe you could take a symbolic action that represents releasing him from your life. It's about finding a way to mark the end of that chapter and start fresh."

Ariel nodded slowly, absorbing the idea. "I see what you mean. It's about creating a sense of finality."

"Exactly," Colby affirmed. "It's a way to give yourself permission to move on, to make space for new beginnings. It's not about forgetting what happened but about acknowledging it and then choosing to let it go."

Ariel smiled faintly, appreciating the thoughtfulness behind Colby's suggestion. "That sounds like something I might need to do. It could help me find closure."

Colby's eyes softened with compassion. "Whatever you choose to do, just remember that you deserve happiness and peace. Don't let the past hold you back. You have so much to offer, and there's a whole world of possibilities ahead of you."

With that, Colby gave her one last hug, holding her close for a moment longer. Ariel felt the warmth of his embrace and the sincerity of his words. She knew that, while the pain from Bradley's betrayal would take time to heal, Colby's support was a significant step in her journey toward closure and renewal.