Guardians of hope.

Earlier that day.

 

Benjamin's heart ached with longing as he wached helplessly for Erica from afar, his thoughts consumed by the weight of his unspoken feelings.

 

The imagination of her standing there, seemingly unscathed, brought a flood of relief tinged with guilt, a reminder of the turmoil that his presence had brought into her life.

 

"If only you knew how much I miss you," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with regret.

"How much I'm hurting that you're with another man. How helpless you render me, Erica."

As he stepped forward, he thought to approach her at the hospital. But Benjamin's steps faltered, his resolve crumbling beneath the weight of his emotions. "Was she happy with someone else? Should he even bother her with his presence, knowing the pain he has caused her?