The Shards of Silence

Chapter 10

Jabbar couldn’t contain his tears and he started crying. “We promised that we would grow old together,” Jabbar spoke with a broken voice, trying to grasp for air. “But she left me, she left me all alone in this miserable life.” Jabbar looked at Emma and continued, “You tell me, what do I have to live for anymore? Amara is gone and she was the one whom I lived for. She was there for me when no one believed in me and now, she is gone!”

Emma shifted her position and offered Jabbar a tissue. All she could think was how much pain had this man been carrying in him for the past few years. There was no one whom he spoke in front of and now, he can’t stop releasing his pain out in the world. “Cry,” Emma spoke as she sat beside Jabbar, “Cry as much as you can. I know you are in pain, and it is good that you are letting it go.”

“I am sorry, but I can’t hold it back in,” Jabbar spoke in a meek tone. “I just want her back, or just go be with her.”

“Jabbar, she is gone, and you need to move on,” Emma spoke as she put her hands on Jabbar’s resting hands between his knees. “Amara wouldn’t want you to let go of life. So, cry as much as you want, I am here with you.”

Jabbar looked up at Emma. He wanted someone to hold him, someone to cradle him, just someone who was there just for him. He found a soft shoulder in Emma and all he could think about was her comfort. Jabbar hugged her and continued with his release of emotions. The world had gone blank for him and in that moment, he felt a warm comfort that Amara provided him with. As he wrapped his arms tight around Emma, he knew that he had embraced his Amara.

Emma was at a loss, unable to comprehend what to do next. The unexpected hug from Jabbar left her stunned, but she could empathize with the pain he was experiencing. Her eyes widened as a tear traced down her rosy cheek. In that moment, Emma's heart ached to see such a beautiful soul in tears, and she longed to offer him comfort.

Returning the hug, they remained intertwined in a silent embrace. Gently wiping away her falling tear, Emma pulled back slightly to meet Jabbar's gaze. Her breath caught in her throat, her emotions in turmoil. With a deep breath, she leaned in, her lips trembling with vulnerability. The tender kiss ignited a deep yearning for love that she had kept at bay throughout her life. As their lips met, a surge of emotions and tears welled up between them mingling with the bittersweet taste of longing.

A romantic renaissance rekindled within Jabbar's heart as he embraced Emma. In her arms, he felt a flicker of the love he once shared with Amara. Yet, amidst the tender moment, a pang of guilt pierced Jabbar's heart like a dagger. With a heavy heart, he pulled away, extinguishing the burgeoning spark of romance between them.

Emma stood there, her heart pounding with regret and confusion. "I am sorry," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I shouldn't have—" With a rush of emotions, Emma jumped up from the couch, gathered her things, and made for the door. "I think I should leave," she muffled, waiting for Jabbar to look at her. But Jabbar stayed there in his spot, silenced by the emotions. He didn’t even look up at Emma and kept his eyes glaring at the wall in front of him. Unable to bear the tension, Emma left the apartment, the door slamming shut behind her.

Jabbar grappled with conflicting emotions. While Emma's touch had stirred feelings of warmth and comfort reminiscent of his beloved Amara, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt. Had he betrayed Amara's memory by finding solace in another's embrace? His tears dried up and all he could imagine was the soft touch, the moment of ecstasy that lit a shard of love back in his life. Emma's sweet embrace was all that was missing in his life. Jabbar knew that life had given him another reason to live and this time, he didn’t want to let it go.