Page 69 of Ghost Of You
Laelia’s face lights up with a soft, hopeful smile. “How about visiting your mum tomorrow? I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen her, and reconnecting with family might be really comforting.”
The idea starts to take shape in my mind. “That sounds wonderful. I haven’t seen her in a few weeks. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to see us both.
Laelia’s smile falters slightly, and she strokes my cheek tenderly. “Actually, I’ve got a big work thing tomorrow that Ican’t move. I’m really sorry, but I won’t be able to go with you. But I think going on your own could be exactly what you need.”
I feel a twinge of disappointment but understand. I gently squeeze her hand, trying to offer comfort. “I understand. I’ll go visit her. It might be just what I need.”
Laelia’s eyes are full of encouragement and love. “I really think it will help. Spending time with your mum might give you a fresh perspective and remind you of the good things in life, even if the nightmares are making everything seem dark.”
As Laelia speaks, her hand rests gently on her small, rounded bump, a soft gesture that draws my gaze. I place my hand over hers, feeling the warmth and the tiny flutter of our unborn baby. “I want to be better for you and the baby,” I say quietly, my voice filled with emotion. “I want to be strong for both of you. It’s just hard when these nightmares take over.”
Suddenly, a small, distinct kick from the baby makes Laelia and me both gasp. She looks at me with wide eyes, a bright smile spreading across her face. “Oh! Did you feel that?”
I nod, a grin spreading across my face. “Yeah, I felt it! Our little one’s already making their presence known.”
Laelia laughs softly, her eyes twinkling with joy. “It’s like they’re saying ‘hello’ and ‘don’t worry.’” She chuckles and looks up at me. “Maybe our baby’s trying to remind us that even in tough times, there’s still a lot of love and joy to hold on to.”
I chuckle along with her, feeling a sense of lightness. “It’s moments like this that remind me of what really matters. I want to be the best dad I can be for them.”
Laelia’s eyes soften with tenderness, and she moves closer, her other hand coming to rest on top of mine. “You’re already so much stronger than you realise. Our baby has the best dad in the world already. We’re in this together, and I believe in you.”
I look at her, feeling a surge of love and gratitude. “I want to be the best partner and dad I can be. It’s just hard to see past the fear sometimes.”
Laelia smiles warmly, her eyes filled with encouragement. “We’ll face this together. The nightmares are just one part of this journey. With each step, we’re building a future for our little one, and you’re doing great. Your strength and love mean the world to me.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope. “Thank you for being so supportive. Your love means everything to me.”
Laelia smiles, her eyes softening with affection. She leans in, resting her forehead against mine, her breath warm and calming against my skin. “I’m here with you, even if I can’t be there physically tomorrow. Your happiness and peace of mind mean everything to me. I’m always here to support you, no matter what.”
I close my eyes, savouring the closeness of her presence. “Thank you. You’re my anchor, keeping me grounded even when everything feels out of control.”
Laelia gently lifts her head and looks into my eyes with a tender smile. “We’ll get through this together. You’re stronger than you know, and sometimes taking a step back to reconnect with the people who care about us can be incredibly healing.”
I nod slowly, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “Alright. I’ll make the trip. I’ll take your advice to heart.”
Laelia’s smile returns, full of relief and warmth. “I’m sure it’ll be good for you. Let’s get everything sorted tonight so you’re ready to go tomorrow. And remember, I’m just a phone call away if you need anything.”
As we sit together in the dim, comforting light of the evening, the thought of visiting my mother feels like a small but significant source of hope. Laelia’s loving gestures and supportive words make the weight of my nightmares feel a littlelighter. Her presence, and the tiny kicks of our baby, are beacons in the darkness. I find solace in the promise of reconnecting with my mum, knowing that I have Laelia’s unwavering love and our growing family to guide me through.
Chapter thirty-seven
The wind is fierce today, its gusts so strong that they could easily knock you off balance if you’re not vigilant. Leaves whirl and tumble around me, dancing in the relentless breeze and scattering in every direction. I keep my head lowered, focusing on each step as I make my way to my mum’s house.
It’s not far—certainly within driving distance, but today, I’ve chosen to walk. There’s something refreshing about the crisp air that helps clear my mind. Yet, despite the invigorating sensation of the wind against my face, I can’t shake the growing weight inside my head, a heavy burden that seems on the brink of overwhelming me. It’s not just the stress; there’s an unsettling feeling that lingers, a strange sense that reality itself is somehow off-kilter. I can't quite place it, but the feeling of something being fundamentally wrong gnaws at me, making the familiar journey feel fraught with uncertainty.
Fumbling with the key in the lock, my hand feels strangely unsteady. The usual warmth of my mother’s house is missing, replaced by an oppressive silence that settles around me as Ipush the door open. The familiar smell of her cooking is there, but it’s tainted by something I can’t quite identify.
I slip into the hallway, my steps quiet as I make my way towards the living room. The voices I hear are muffled but unmistakable—my mother’s voice and Ethan’s, and there’s something in their tones that feels off, strained.
“We can’t keep hiding it from him anymore,” Ethan says, his frustration seeping through the walls. “He deserves to know the truth. It’s not fair to keep him in the dark like this.”
“But you heard what the doctors said,” my mother counters, her voice tight with worry. “They said it could be too much for him. They’re not sure how he’d handle it.”
“Of course, they’re not sure,” Ethan replies, his voice rising. “But do you really think it’s better for him to be kept in the dark? We’re struggling too, remember? This isn’t just about what’s best for him; it’s about how we’re going to get through this together. Hiding it from him is just going to make everything worse.”
“I know, Ethan,” my mother’s voice cracks, and I can hear the tears she’s trying to hold back. “You think this is easy for me? I hate seeing him like this. I hate that I can’t fix it for him. But I’m terrified of what will happen if he finds out. I don’t want him to be more hurt than he already is.”
“But you’re not doing him any favours by shielding him,” Ethan argues. “Every day we wait, it feels like we’re building this enormous wall between us. It’s eating us up inside, and it’s going to eat him up too. I’m struggling to keep up the pretence, and I know you are too. We need to be honest with him. He has a right to know.”