Chapter 15

White Chrysanthemum, a flower that represents loyalty and devoted love. Such a beautiful flower, yet a deep meaning is behind it.

A lot of people compare Claude to the said flower. How can they not?

The said man always finds time to visit Nicole's family and close friends to check on them, even though he never visited her ex-lover's gravestone.

They understand why and will never question him on his decision. Losing someone you love is not something you can overcome overnight. It takes time and patience.

Claude was lying in his bed, staring at his ceiling for as long as he can remember. All the things that happened to him have not sunk in his head.

Not long after that, his dad came into his room, inviting him to go fishing with him. Although all of them know that Claude is not doing well, they don't want to leave him all alone. Especially his parents, they want to stay by his side as long as they can.

It took quite a long time for Claude to decide but in the end, he decided to join his father. It's been a long time since they hang out.

His father drove while Claude was just staring outside the window. Admiring everything he sees. His father noticed this and decided to let him be for now.

Claude was thinking about Nicole on the way to the pond, thinking if it's okay to have some fun while some people are suffering because of his mistake. He knows that what happened is an accident but he just can't shake the feeling that the accident will never happen if only he didn't take Nicole on a date while she is sick. He just stared blankly at the scenery outside the window. Not batting an eye on his father who is busy driving.

The entire drive was silent, but it's a comfortable one and not awkward at all. They are father-and-son after all. His father didn't try to make any conversation and let Claude experience peace for once as he know that his son is suffering but don't want to bother anyone for help.

Claude felt that the car stopped and look over to his father. His father noticed the gaze upon him so he smiled at Claude and said "We're here".

Both of them got their equipments out of the car and began walking to the pond to set everything up.

After a while, they can finally start. The father-and-son tandem is quiet and patiently waiting for fish that will take their baits.

"When I was your age, I always try to find time to do this kind of activity. It helps me clear my mind so whenever you have something on your mind but don't have someone to talk to about it, just do one of these activities or best come and find me. I'll help you no matter what it is.", Claude's Dad stated.

Claude nods his head and a long peaceful silence took over them.

His dad's bait began moving indicating a fish took the bait. Pulling and spinning the rod to make sure the fish will not escape, and finally, after a few seconds of pulling the fish is finally out.

After celebrating getting their first fish, they decided to wait again.

Claude is just staring blankly on the pod.

"Dad" he muttered under his breath.

"Yeah?" his father replied.

"I really miss Nicole, I miss her voice, her face, her nagging"

Claude finally cried after weeks of enduring it. His dad was not surprised by the sudden change because he planned this day for Claude to let loose. He smiled.

"Yeah"

"I wish I can turn back time"

"Yeah"

"I wish I didn't take her for granted, I should have treasured all the moments we have while she was here"

"Yeah"

"I wish to see her one last time"

"Yeah"

"I should have gone to her funeral and visited her gravestone"

"Yeah"

"It really hurts, Dad" he cried and cried like a little boy who got separated from his parents and got lost.

"You can cry it all you want. Sometimes crying makes everything feel good. If you feel tired and in pain just cry it out." his Dad said.

This made him cry more. He can finally let all of his emotions out without being judged. He was glad that his father took him out for some fresh air and for him to get all the burdens he is carrying out.

Crying really helps you if you're in a pinch where everything hurts.

Crying isn't something to be embarrassed about because it is human nature.

Crying is your best bud if you have no one on your side.

His Dad hugged him and gave him peace while he was crying. Patting his back but not muttering any word, just letting him cry all he wants.

"Thanks, Dad" he muttered lowly.

"Yeah" his dad replied.

A/N: Hello, sorry it took me a long time to update, but finally I'm back. I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter. See you again next year. Happy Holidays!