Chapter 17: Making Amends

Aya pulled away from Shobie's embrace, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. Without a word, she turned and walked away, retreating to their bedroom. The door shut softly behind her, leaving Shobie standing in the middle of the room, frozen with guilt and regret.

Shobie sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands as silent tears fell. She hated herself for hurting Aya, for making her feel unimportant.

The night passed in silence, the weight of their unresolved emotions hanging heavily in the air.

—

The next morning, Shobie stood outside their bedroom door, her knuckles hovering just above the wood before she finally knocked.

"Aya," she called softly, pressing her forehead against the door. "Please, baby, let's talk."

Silence.

Shobie sighed, trying again. "I know I hurt you… and I hate myself for it. Please, Aya. I don't want to lose you."

Inside the room, Aya sat on the bed, hugging her knees to her chest. Her heart ached at the sound of Shobie's voice, but the sting of yesterday's pain still lingered.

'Why did she let go of my hand?' Aya thought bitterly. 'Why did she act like she was ashamed of me?'

She wanted to open the door. She wanted to run into Shobie's arms and believe her words. But something inside her hesitated.

More knocking.

"Aya, I'll do anything to make this right. Just… tell me what to do."

Still, Aya stayed silent.

—

By the afternoon, Shobie knew she had to do something. She quickly left the house and drove to Aya's favorite flower shop. She picked out a bouquet of delicate blue roses—Aya's favorite. Holding them close, she made her way back home, determination set in her heart.

Standing outside the bedroom door once again, she took a deep breath before knocking gently.

"Aya… I have something for you."

No response.

Shobie sighed and slowly slid the bouquet under the door. "Blue roses, my love. Just like the ones you always admire. I got them for you… because I'm sorry. Because I love you."

Minutes passed before the door finally creaked open slightly. Aya peeked out, her eyes landing on the flowers before slowly lifting to meet Shobie's gaze.

Shobie swallowed the lump in her throat. "Aya, I know I messed up. I panicked, I was scared, and I hurt you in the process. But please believe me when I say that you are the most important person in my life. I never want you to doubt that."

Aya hesitated but eventually took the bouquet, holding it close. "Shobie… it hurt," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "When you let go… it felt like you were pushing me away."

Shobie stepped closer, carefully reaching out to tuck a strand of Aya's hair behind her ear. "I swear to you, Aya, that was never my intention. I love you more than anything, and I'll spend every day proving it to you if you let me."

Tears welled in Aya's eyes as she searched Shobie's face for sincerity. Slowly, she nodded. "Just… don't let go again."

Shobie cupped Aya's face and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Never," she promised.

As Aya finally allowed herself to fall into Shobie's arms, the weight between them began to lift, making room for love to heal what had been broken.