Aphmau's POV
We were almost home. We had about half a day left of traveling before we got home. I was able to walk and do things on my own now but Aaron still refused to leave my side. Laurence and Zane have been getting quite annoying. I sighed as I sat on Aaron's horse. Aaron was sitting behind me and he had his arms around my waist.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"I'm just ready to be home. I wish we could just be there." I groaned.
"I know. We're almost home. We'll be there not too long after dark." He kissed the back of my head.
"Still, I'm ready to sleep in our bed and see our little girl." I leaned my head back and looked up at him. He smiled down at me.
"Don't worry. We'll be home soon."
I sighed and we continued riding. At one point Aaron let go of me and pulled out a small book. He started reading and I ignored it.
Aaron's POV
I pulled out Aphmau's notebook. She didn't seem to notice. I opened it up and began reading. She had a date that was written from about when we started searching for answers on what she was. I began reading:
'I don't know if I can do this... Aaron keeps convincing me it'll be ok, but I don't believe him. I'm cursed. There is no hope for me.
'If I ended it all, would they care? Would they cry? I feel like there isn't a reason to keep going. There always seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, but when will this tunnel end? It feels like it's getting darker and darker. I feel like there's nothing I'm in control of anymore. If I tell Aaron this, he'll get concerned and won't want to let me be in pain. What if pain is what I need? I have a sword... Even if I don't end it... A few cuts won't kill me...'
There were small droplets of blood on the paper.
I felt sick. I stopped and looked up at the woman who looked so peaceful. She had been wearing sleeves and we hadn't gotten too physical lately so I haven't seen her wrists. I looked up at her. She was sitting quietly. I put my arms around her and she looked up at me.
"Can we talk?" I asked.
"About what?" She raised an eyebrow. I held up her notebook and her eyes got huge.
"Babe, I-"
"-Why do you have that?!" She yelled.
"That's not important." I sighed.
"What is wrong with you? This isn't your business!" She snatched it our of my hands.
"I'm concerned. Let me see your arms." I reached for her arms and she jumped off of the horse. I stopped the horse.
"No, I'll walk." She glared at me. The others stopped.
"Are you ok?" Garroth asked.
"Aaron, you are nosy and I don't want to be with you if you're gonna be like that!" She yelled. Everyone looked at me. I felt my heart shatter.
"Babe, please. Your mental health is my concern. I love you. You are my everything." I hopped off the horse. She backed away.
"Get away from me!" She yelled. I stepped towards her and she took two steps away. I began walking towards her. I ran towards her and she started running. I caught her easily and held her close.
"Aphmau, please, listen. I love you. Listen to me." I brushed her hair behind her ear. She tried to pull away from me.
"Aaron, please." Tears fell down her cheeks. I gently grabbed her arms and lifted her sleeves. She winced in pain. She had scars and cuts on her forearms. She looked up at me and gripped me tightly.
"Aphmau, I'm sorry. We need to talk." I kissed her forehead. She shook her head.
"Let's keep going. No offense, but we can talk on the horse," Garroth said.
"Ok, come on." I climbed onto my horse and held my hand out to Aphmau. She took my hand and got on the horse.
"I'm sorry I kept my problems hidden from you..." She sighed.
"I'll forgive you, but we need to talk more..." I sighed.
"Fine, but we're almost home. We'll talk then," She said. I nodded.
"Ok, that's fine." I shook my head. She leaned back on my chest. We continued on our way.
