80| Waiting for Ethan

Sophie woke up in her old bed, the pale morning light filtering through the floral curtains she'd had since she was a teenager. She blinked up at the familiar ceiling.

Right. She wasn't in their home.

For so long, this room had been her sanctuary, a place of comfort and familiarity. But now, it felt foreign—like a relic of a life she had long since outgrown.

She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes, glancing around the space that once held all her childhood dreams.

With a deep sigh, she pushed aside the quilt her mother had made for her. She still loved this house, this room, but...

Home wasn't here anymore.

It was with him.

Their home—the one she and Ethan had started to build together—felt more like home now.

She missed him.

Missed the way he would unconsciously reach for her in his sleep, the way his cologne lingered in the sheets long after he had left for the day. The warmth of him beside her. The way he made her feel safe, seen, loved.

It had been a week.

A whole week without hearing his voice. Without seeing that smile—the one he reserved just for her.

She knew he had promised to come back.

And she believed him.

She didn't doubt him for a second.

But today... the waiting felt unbearable.

God, she missed him. If she had known she wouldn't see him for a while, she would have held him longer, kissed him harder, whispered "I love you" before he walked down those steps.

She swallowed against the ache in her throat and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Enough waiting.

Padding into the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her fingers hovered over the faint bruise on her cheek, now fading into a dull yellow. Her eyes traced the small scar on her forehead—the one that would always remind her of that day.

Her stomach twisted, but she steadied herself, pressing a palm to the cool porcelain sink.

"You're strong, Sophie," she whispered to her reflection. "You'll get through this."

The hot water of the shower washed away some of the heaviness in her chest, but it didn't take away the ache of missing him.

She dressed in a light blue sundress—one she was pretty sure matched Ethan's eyes.

Brushing her hair, she felt a flicker of hope stir inside her.

Maybe today would be the day he'd come back to her.

She exhaled, fingers tightening around her phone. Hopeful. But not willing to wait.

Her heart pounded as she dialed Ethan's number, holding her breath with each ring.

She held her breath, praying he would answer.

One ring.

Two.

Three.

Her hope started to wane.

Just as she was about to hang up, there was a click.

"Sophie?"

Her heart leaped—only to sink again at the sound of the voice.

"David?" Disappointment slipped into her tone before she could stop it. "Where's Ethan?"

David let out a heavy sigh, the sound crackling through the phone. "He's... not doing great, Soph. He's going through a lot right now. And honestly? He wouldn't want you to see him like this."

Sophie clenched the phone tighter. She had expected this answer, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

"I understand," she said softly, forcing herself to stay strong. "But... could you at least tell him that I called?"

That I'll accept him anyway?

David's voice softened. "I will. I know he's hurting, but he'll come around. Just give him a little more time."

There was a pause, and Sophie swallowed back the lump forming in her throat.

"Tell him... tell him that whenever he's ready, he knows where to find me."

David chuckled lightly. "Your flower shop?"

A small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "Yeah. It's my happiest place."

David's tone was warm. "You know, I told him how lucky he is to have someone who cares enough to wait for him. He's a lucky bastard, Sophie."

A tear slipped down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. "Thank you, David. For everything."

"Anytime, Soph. And don't worry. I've got his back. He'll find his way back to you. I promise."

The call ended, leaving Sophie sitting on the edge of her bed, staring at the screen.

She missed Ethan terribly.

But she also knew he needed time.

And for now, she would focus on herself.

Taking a deep breath, she stood and headed downstairs. She couldn't spend the day waiting by the phone.

There was only one place that always made her feel better.

Her flower shop.

Outside, Lily leaned against their old family car—the one that would be hers if she could just pass her damn driving test.

There was a deep pout on her lips.

Sophie couldn't help but laugh. "Failed again, huh? That makes it what, the tenth time now?"

Lily shot her a glare. "Don't rub it in, okay? Parallel parking is a nightmare!"

Sophie ruffled her younger sister's hair, grinning. "You'll get it eventually, even if it takes a few more tries."

Lily huffed. "Gee, thanks for the support."

"Come on, get in. I'll drive us to the shop."

As they drove, the tension in Sophie's chest eased just a little.

The sun was shining.

The fields of wildflowers blurred by outside the window, swaying gently in the breeze.

It was a quiet reminder that even when things felt dark, there was still beauty in the world.

And for now...

That would have to be enough.

When they reached the flower shop, Lily suddenly shouted, "Look, Sophie! The flowers you planted—they're blooming!"

Sophie paused, stepping out of the car and taking in the sight.

The flowers were in full bloom—bright and beautiful, standing tall beneath the shop sign she had painted herself.

The colors popped against the morning light, vibrant and alive.

Her chest ached at the sight.

"They're beautiful," she murmured, her fingers brushing against the petals.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting the warmth of the sun touch her skin.

Then, she whispered, so softly that only the wind could carry it—

"Ethan, wherever you are... please come back to me."

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