Nate kisses my forehead tenderly before stepping back, allowing Cain to wrap his arms around me in a tight hug. His embrace is reassuring, a silent reminder that I am not alone in my grief.
I decide to share the news of Rae’s visit, hoping to lift the mood and bring a sense of normalcy back into my life. “Oh, Rae is coming to stay for the night. She and Archie broke up. Don’t worry. I told her not to tell him the address,” I explain, hoping to alleviate any concerns they may have.
The trio exchanges a glance, their expressions unreadable for a moment before Mike breaks the silence with a closed-lip smile. “It will be good for you to see Rae,” he says.
“I’m going to have a shower. I was thinking we could maybe move into the main house tonight?” I suggest, feeling ready to embrace change and move forward.
“Only if you are sure, princess,” Cain responds.
“I am sure,” I affirm with determination. I gently release myself from his embrace and make my way toward the guesthouse, ready to take the next step toward healing and rebuilding.
MIKE
We watch Tessie walk back to the house. I am glad she is starting to feel herself.
“So, Paul finally reached out,” Cain begins, “He’s been in contact, but it’s all been cryptic, like…”
Leaning forward, we listen intently as Cain continues, his words painting a vivid picture of the unfolding drama. “She’s been sold.”
As Cain speaks, my heart sinks. “The buyer,” he continues, his tone darkening, “was one of those anonymous phone buyers. You know, the kind that operates in the shadows, pulling strings without ever showing their face.”
Every detail Cain reveals only deepens the mystery, leaving us hanging on his every word. “We’re in deep waters now, guys,” he concludes, his voice a mixture of determination and uncertainty. “But Paul is gonna find out who the buyer is. They still have no idea where she is. Archie has been trying to find out, though. I will do everything in my power to keep that girl safe.”
Cain changes the subject when he sees the gardener walk past. “She’s resilient, that’s for sure.”
Nate and I nod in agreement, his eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and understanding. “It’s a relief to see her smiling again,” he says, his voice tinged with gratitude. “At least she isn’t throwing up anymore.”
“When my mom and sister died,” I begin, my voice faltering slightly, “I was throwing up all the time. It felt like my whole world was spinning out of control. Crazy what emotions can do to your body.”
Cain’s expression softens, “I can’t even imagine what you went through, dude,” he says softly, his words carrying a weight of understanding. “But you’re still standing and that’s a testament to your strength.”
“You’re right. I’m going to check on Tessie,” I say, walking backward toward the house.
I approach the house and my footsteps feel heavier with each step. The door creaks softly as I push it open, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. The distant rush of water draws me closer. As I step into the bathroom, the steam clouds my vision for a moment before clearing to reveal Tessie, her silhouette blurred by the cascading water. I am struck by the sight of her naked body, huddled and vulnerable.
Her tears mingle with the water and my heart clenches at the sight. Without a second thought, I close the distance between us. Entering the shower and sitting beside her, I can feel the warmth of the water soaking through my clothes.
With a gentle touch, I wrap my arm around her trembling shoulders. The sound of her sobs fills the small space.
Together, we sit in the embrace of the shower. As the water continues to fall, I silently vow to stand by her side in the midst of her darkest moments.
“It’s ok not to be ok, Tessie,” I say over the running water.
Her voice trembles with emotion as she speaks. “I can do this. I know I can,” she declares through her tears, her words echoing in the humid bathroom air. I see the strength that lies within her. With a soft smile, I squeeze her shoulder gently. “You don’t have to do it alone,” I assure her.
Together, we sit in the sanctuary of the shower, surrounded by the steady rhythm of falling water.
I hold Tessie close. With a gentle touch, I brush a stray strand of hair away from her face, my fingertips grazing her skin with a tender caress.
I just hold her tight and close as she cries.
“Have you washed your hair?” I inquire softly. She shakes her head in response. Without hesitation, I reach for the shampoo bottle, squeezing a generous amount onto my palm.
“Lean back,” I instruct her gently, my voice a soothing whisper amidst the rush of water.
I massage the shampoo into her hair delicately, my fingers working slowly. Despite the water soaking through my clothes, I am consumed by a sense of purpose, a desire to offer her a moment of respite in the midst of her storm.
I grab the shower head, carefully rinsing away the shampoo. I can feel the weight of her gaze upon me, a silent testament to the trust that binds us together in this fragile moment.
“Do you use a conditioner?” I ask.
A soft giggle escapes her lips. “Yes,” she replies, her voice carrying a hint of amusement despite the tears lingering in her eyes.
With a gentle smile, I reach for the bottle of conditioner, squeezing a small amount onto my palm.
“Just from the middle to the ends,” she instructs me softly.
I run my fingers through the ends of her hair and then rinse the conditioner away.
“I’m just going to get you a towel,” I assure her.
As I leave the shower and step out, the slick tile floor betrays me, sending me tumbling onto my ass.
“Oh my god. Are you ok, Mike?” Tessie’s voice rings out with concern.
I can’t help but laugh. Looking up at Tessie from my undignified position on the floor, I meet her gaze with a sheepish grin. Tessie can’t help but join in with my laughter.
I am reminded of the power of laughter that can transcend even the darkest moments.
