As the night drew to a close, Rachel and Zach bid us farewell, leaving Ethan and me alone amidst the soft glow of the restaurant's dimming lights. The silence between us was palpable, yet comfortable, like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. I took a deep breath, deciding to confront the elephant in the room, to unravel the mystery that had been lingering in my mind since Ethan's request.
"Ethan, can I ask you something?" I said, my voice gentle yet inquiring, like a soft breeze rustling through leaves.
"Of course, Amanda," he replied, his eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep sincerity.
"Why did you ask me to wait for you?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me, like a puzzle begging to be solved. "What's going on, Ethan? You've been distant, and I sense there's more to it than just needing space."
Ethan's expression turned solemn, his eyes clouding over like a stormy sky.
"It's about Sarah," he began, his voice measured, each word carefully chosen. "My ex."
I nodded, encouraging him to continue, my heart beating with anticipation.
"Sarah reached out to me," Ethan said, his words dripping with emotion, like a slow-moving river. "Not just to apologize for what she did to me, but to show me...her situation."
I sensed a depth of pain in his voice, a pain he'd kept hidden, like a secret garden locked away.
"What situation?" I probed, my heart racing with anticipation, like a runner poised at the starting line.
Ethan's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper, like a confidential secret shared among friends.
"Sarah's suffering from cancer, Amanda," he revealed, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. "She's on her deathbed. The doctors say she won't make it."
My gasp was involuntary, shock coursing through my veins like a sudden jolt of electricity.
"Oh, Ethan, I'm so sorry," I whispered, my heart aching for him, like a mournful melody.
Ethan's eyes met mine, filled with a mix of emotions, like a kaleidoscope turning.
"I know I said I don't want to be over her," he admitted, his voice cracking, like a fragile vase on the verge of shattering. "But...seeing her like that, knowing she's running out of time...it brought up a lot of emotions."
I reached out, taking his hand in mine, like a lifeline thrown to a drowning sailor.
"I understand," I said softly, my voice a gentle breeze on a summer day. "You need time to process, to say goodbye, to find closure."
Ethan nodded, his grip on my hand tightening, like a vice.
"I don't want to rush into anything with you, Amanda," he explained, his eyes searching mine, like a seeker searching for truth. "When my heart is still...tied up in the past."
I smiled, understanding washing over me, like a warm wave on a sandy beach.
"I'm willing to wait, Ethan," I said, my voice filled with conviction, like a promise etched in stone. "For you, for us, for the right moment."
Ethan's face relaxed, a hint of gratitude in his eyes, like a sunrise breaking over the horizon.
"Thank you, Amanda," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion, like a heartfelt prayer. "Thank you for understanding."
As we left the restaurant, the night air enveloped us, heavy with emotions. Ethan's grip on my hand tightened, leading me to the car. We drove in silence, the only sound the soft hum of the engine, punctuated by the occasional passing of another vehicle. Our destination was the hospital, where his ex, Sarah, lay fighting for her life. The weight of the situation hung in the air, a palpable force that seemed to press down upon us.
Upon arrival, Ethan navigated us to a quiet corner, away from prying eyes. We stood at the window, gazing into the room where Sarah's relatives gathered, their faces etched with worry and sorrow. Ethan's eyes locked onto the figure in the bed, his expression a mix of pain, longing, and regret.
"I'm sorry, Amanda," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I didn't mean to bring you into this. It's just...I needed someone to be here with me."
I squeezed his hand reassuringly, offering what little comfort I could.
"I'm here for you, Ethan," I replied softly. "You don't have to face this alone. We'll get through it together."
As we watched, Sarah's frail form stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Ethan's grip on my hand intensified, his breathing shallow and rapid.
"Look at her," he whispered, his voice trembling. "She's...fading away. It's like she's slipping through my fingers, and I can't do anything to stop it."
Tears welled up in his eyes, and for the first time, I saw Ethan break down. His body shook, sobs wracking his frame. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close, trying to absorb some of his pain.
"Ethan, it's okay," I whispered, my voice a soothing balm. "Let it out. You've been carrying this burden for so long."
As we stood there, holding each other, I realized the depth of Ethan's emotions. This was the girl he gave his heart to, the one who didn't appreciate his love, who hurt him so deeply. The pain and longing in his eyes tore at my heart.
"Why did she have to hurt me so much?" Ethan asked, his voice muffled against my shoulder.
I stroked his hair, offering what little comfort I could.
"Sometimes, people don't realize what they have until it's gone," I replied softly. "You deserved better, Ethan. You deserved someone who would love and cherish you, not hurt and betray you."
As we stood there, tears streaming down Ethan's face, I knew I'd wait for him, no matter how long it took. He needed time to heal, to let go of the past, to find closure. And I'd be there, holding his hand, every step of the way.
"We'll get through this, Ethan," I whispered. "Together."
I can't believe how a perfect man like this can get to love a woman so wholeheartedly that even though they're now ex's, still cares a lot for her, will I ever replace Sarah?, Or become a different story in his life?, I don't know, only time will tell.