Episode 11 [FINALLY]– The First Night Home
306 Words
The hospital had discharged Nadim late in the evening. His ribs ached with every breath. His head throbbed from the inside. But none of that compared to the heaviness between them.
Yasmin drove in silence. Hands tight on the wheel. She didn’t dare play music. Didn’t dare speak.
He didn’t either.
They reached the apartment, and Nadim moved slowly, refusing help. Yasmin hovered near him like a shadow — close, but never quite touching.
Inside, nothing had changed.
The same cushions on the couch.
The same mug still drying in the dish rack.
The same phone charger curled like a snake on her nightstand.
He sat down slowly, groaning as he exhaled.
“I made soup,” she offered. “Earlier. I can reheat—”
“I’m fine.”
Her throat closed around everything she wanted to say.
They sat for what felt like forever. Just breathing. Just existing.
“You stayed,” he said finally, his voice rough.
“I would’ve stayed even if they made me wait outside.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“I did.”
She looked up at him — the bruising on his temple, the bandages, the hollow eyes.
“I don’t know how to be the right person,” she said. “But I know how to love you. And I want to try again. Without the lying. Without the fear.”
He didn’t answer right away.
But after a long pause, he whispered:
“I’m still angry.”
“I know.”
“I still see it when I close my eyes.”
“I know.”
“But I don’t want to lose you.”
She reached for his hand — this time, he let her.
No forgiveness yet.
No promises.
But a beginning.
And this time, maybe they would start with honesty.
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- Writer
