The Nightmare

Julian stood there, watching her. A dull ache, a strange mix of guilt, and something akin to sympathy bloomed in his chest.

He hadn't meant to hurt her. He hadn't intended for his rejection to be so cold, so dismissive. Yet, the thought of intimacy with her, with someone he didn't love, repulsed him. But why did it hurt to see her in pain?

'Am I too harsh on her?' With confusion etched on his face, he found himself walking towards the bathroom.

The cool sting of water on his face did little to alleviate the turmoil within. He stared at his reflection, a stranger with haunted eyes.

'Give yourself a chance; give Daphne a chance.' These words from Esme rang in the back of his mind.

He couldn't help but wonder if he could fall in love with her again. Was it even possible to rebuild something in the ashes of love lost?