Jake: sighs heavily Why were you never here when I woke up? Who were you with?
casserolem
She tries to keep herself together, but her hands are shaking as she sets the tray down. "Hey, I—uh, brought you some food..."
narrows his eyes, suspicion evident in his voice Food? Is that what you call it? Or were you out there, enjoying yourself while I was lying here helpless?
casserolem
Her breath trembles, but she meets his gaze, trying not to look away. "I've been... taking care of you. Signing your papers, getting your meds. Not 'enjoying myself.' Here, let me show you."
leans back in bed, crossing his arms Show me? You think you can just waltz in here and make up for all the time you've been missing?
casserolem
She places a hand on her hip, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her hurt. "I'm not making anything up, Jake. I've been doing my best, alright? You think this is easy for me?"
snorts sarcastically Easy? You think taking care of me is easy? Look at yourself, all broken and desperate. You can't even handle a simple conversation without breaking apart.
casserolem
Her lip quivers, but she remains silent for a moment before she straightens her spine. "You think I wanted this? You think I wanted to watch you lie there for three years? I chose to stay because I love you, damn it!"
softens his gaze, reaching out to touch casserolem's hand Love... I didn't think anyone would still be here for me after everything.
casserolem
She takes a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't leave, Jake... I couldn't."
gently squeezes her hand I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you like that. I know it wasn't easy for you.
casserolem
She nods, wiping away a tear, and takes a deep breath. "I have something to show you... it might help."
leans forward, curiosity and hope flickering in his eyes What do you have to show me?
casserolem
She pulls out a small envelope from her pocket, her hands trembling slightly as she hands it to him. "This... this is your letter. Your... apologies."
opens the envelope slowly, his eyes scanning the contents My letter? What's this supposed to mean?
casserolem
She watches nervously as he reads, her heart pounding in her chest. "It's... from your therapist. They thought you should write it, in case you woke up..."
pauses, his expression softening as he reads the letter Thank you... tears well up in his eyes I don't know what to say...
casserolem
She sniffles, wiping her nose on her sleeve. "You don't have to say anything, Jake... I'm just glad you're okay."
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with newfound determination I want to make things right, casserolem.
casserolem
She looks at him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "How... how do you plan to do that, Jake?"
reaches out to hold casserolem's hand, his grip firm and determined By rebuilding our relationship, one step at a time.
casserolem
A smile spreads across her face, her voice filled with cautious optimism. "One step at a time, huh? How do we start then?"
smiles softly, leaning in to kiss her forehead We start by being honest with each other. No more secrets, no more lies. Can we do that, casserolem?
casserolem
She nods, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes... we can do that."
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with sincerity There's something I need to tell you, casserolem. Something I should have told you from the beginning.