Richard was at Ann's cottage, the air between them had changed. Not completely, but enough that Richard felt it every time he stepped into the living room. It no longer felt like a battlefield. It was still quiet, still cautious but something softer lived in the silence now.
Ann no longer flinched when he entered. She didn’t turn away when their eyes met. And that, to Richard, meant more than any words. He had hurt her deeply. He had broken her heart when she needed him the most. But now, he was determined to fix what he could, even if it took the rest of his life. So, he showed up. He started small bringing her favorite tea in the morning, without asking if she wanted it. He just placed it near her and left it there, walking away before she could say thank you… or tell him to stop. The f
