With the stars coming out one by one, Oliver and Phoebe did not speak, but sat in quiet contemplation as the last of the light disappeared over the horizon. The wind had dropped and there was only the sound of the water as it gently rolled on to the shore. The world seemed vast and she was not overwhelmed by what lay ahead of her for the first time in what seemed like ages.Phoebe slowly inhaled as if drawing in the air around her, the coldness of the air passing through her lungs. “I once believed that happiness was something you had to run after. Like if you didn’t have a goal in mind and were striving for it, it would get lost. Now I’m beginning to think…maybe it is more about searching for the proper place where it is possible simply to let it go.Oliver smiled, he looked into her eyes and they were calm and full of confidence. “Exactly. I’ll be happy when I get this promotion, I’ll be happy when I get that new car, I’ll be happy when I have that new house, we forget that we alrea

After Oliver had said his piece Phoebe stood there letting his words hang in the cool night air. The waves were saying something as they rolled over the sand, a soothing sound to the soothing sound his voice was to her. For a second or two she glanced at her crossed hands in her lap before returning her eyes to Oliver.Does it apply to everybody? That, once you’ve discovered who you are, it is easier to return, even if you lost your way?”Oliver gave her time to think about it and the tension between them grew. “I think it depends. Some people never really give up who they are even when they have the feeling of being lost. Some people… They may require a gentle prod. Or someone to walk with them for a bit until they see the signs again.”Phoebe pulled her head to one side and her face brightened with a smile. “And you are okay with strolling with me, not even regarding the distance?”Oliver looked her straight into the eyes and she could see that he was not lying. “Always.”She felt a

The sound of the gravel under the shoe soles grew louder as they neared the cottage, and it was stillness of the night. A dim light shone from the porch, the light from which extended to the front step. Phoebe stopped right before they got to the door, staring at the tiny cottage with the shutters and the flower pots that were empty for someone to paint. She looked at Oliver and said in a low tone.Can you imagine that this place hides something? Stories hidden in the walls?”Oliver looked at her for a moment before responding to her question. “Maybe. Every house does, doesn’t it? The type of narratives that can be touched even if they cannot be heard. The sound of footsteps, the coldness of the air in the hallway, the lighting in the house which is perfect in some areas. They all hold something.”Phoebe smiled a little, her fingers tracing over the top of the wooden banister in front of her. “I like that thought. Perhaps we will write something of our own into it. Those which make it

Christian’s eyes lifted to hers and for a second the hardness that had been there before was gone, and Phoebe saw it. He was not here just to provoke. At least, not entirely. There was something else, an undercurrent of unease in the way he stood, the way his hand hovered near the edge of the table as if needing something to ground him.“I know,” Christian agreed, speaking quietly. And I don’t expect you to forget.” However, there are some things that were never said. Objects and burdens I have been bearing, and in fact, I do not wish to bear them any longer.Phoebe’s arms were folded while she was standing, but she was not so defiant anymore. She looked deep into him, attempting to search for the chinks in his armor. Christian had always been quite good at using his words and wits to control situations for his benefit. This time however he looked… exhausted.“What made you think that I wanted to hear anything coming from you?” Phoebe said this, somewhat warily, but without the anger

“Sorry isn’t enough,” said Phoebe, tears rolling down her cheeks. “They think they can just come out and apologize and that’s the end of it.”“I’m not expecting that,” Christian said quickly. I know that I can never reverse the wrong I have done. But I had to tell you. I had to stop bringing this with me without doing something about it.”Phoebe exhaled hard and then rested her weight against the windowsill. “Well, did you even know what you left behind?” “How much I had to tidy up after you?”“I’ve thought about it,” Christian said, softly. “But I know that thinking about it isn’t the same as living it. I still can’t fathom how difficult it must have been for you.”Phoebe looked at her and shook her head, fuming again. “And you didn’t just hurt me, Christian.” You made me doubt, everything, including us, including myself. I used so much time thinking why am I not enough. Why I couldn’t repair whatever was ailing you.”Christian cringed as if the words that came out of her mouth had h