Welcome~

After the war, you’d move in together of course, into a medium-sized estate with enough space to house your friends when they’d visit with their eventual families near a clear lake with plenty of nutrient-rich grounds to grow all sorts of plants and foods (a hobby Zenitzu favored more than you did). When he found that the time was right, he had gold rings made just for you and him, another piece of himself he wanted to share only with you. Two heartbeats intertwined to become one lifelong symphony of love and trust.

Zenitsu could feel the beginnings of the warm summer sun chase away the cool remnants of spring, his exposed forearms warm with its comfortable kiss. “These damn peppers grow like weeds” he mumbled to himself as he harvested yet another full basket of peppers, red and yellow and orange strings weighed the wicker basket down onto his skin. “At this rate we’ll need to start handing them out to people when they come over for dinner next week” the walk back to your shared home wasn’t far, though half way there Zenitsu couldn’t help whining at how heavy this basket was quickly becoming. He found solace in the distant hum of the river and in the way the trees rustled gently, their leaves giving way to the stream of the wind as petals flew with it. The sound carried him further down the beaten grass towards home, a rhythm of familiarity–until it wasn’t. It was almost inaudible at first, muffled beneath something and low, but it grew steady and strong, terrifyingly sound. ‘Something is here’ Zenitsu abandoned the basket and no longer cared for the nature around him as he honed in on a single pounding, racing to the house because this beat was new and different and ‘dear lord it's in the house’

A terror he thought was gone burned at his throat in the form of bile that he forced down because you were home and it’s thump was there too. The back door creaked eerily as he stepped inside, searching with precision for a sign of something else. You crossed the threshold of the living room having heard your husband, “Perfect timing! I needed your help-” “Shh” Zenitsu interrupted you as the beating grew more and more until it was just you and him, standing feet apart, surrounded by the same home you two enjoyed everyday. 

Zenitsu’s body acted faster than his thoughts could catch up and before he knew it he lowered himself onto wobbling knees. “Zenitsu what are you doing? Are you ok” your worried words fell on occupied ears as he slowly pressed his side to your stomach. Boom the sound was strong and gentle, boom.

“Zenitsu” your eyes watered without having to be told why as his grip on your hips held you in place and his head pressed harder against you waiting, counting each unmistakable heartbeat. Your fingers tangled themselves in his golden roots, willing him to his feet as tears streamed down your cheeks to the corners of your wide beam. “ (Y/N) you’re pregnant, I-I heard it” Zenitsu's shock was obvious and his thoughts collided with one another unable to form anything else, but before he could spiral further your warm hands cupped his cheeks tying him to solid ground. “Zenitsu, you're going to be a father” you sobbed, ‘oh yea, that’s right’ How could he have forgotten that part? You stood in the middle of your home, heads pressed together as tears of joy fell freely between the both of you. How quickly two heartbeats had become three, finally you’d get to start your own family.

The next few weeks felt surreal. Naturally, when Tanjiro and Inosuke came to visit with their families the next week you both shared the news. Their reactions were priceless and so full of genuine love–you weren't sure who cried more, Tanjiro or Zenitsu. Of course, you scheduled a visit with Shinobu almost immediately. She ran blood tests’ and performed a physical exam, she took note of any and all side effects you might have been feeling, any sickness or nausea, which you’d had none of. She then placed her stethoscope against your lower stomach and pressed just enough for the pressure to be uncomfortable. “Hear anything?” you asked excitedly, which earned a scoff from your side, “Of course she does” Zenitsu added. Shinobu moved to listen from different positions, her lips pursed slightly. “Everything alright?” you asked.

“With you, everything seems normal. However, from what I can gather the baby's heartbeat is slower than what I expected. It sounds scary, however technology is not where it needs to be and this method is not an exact science, so please don’t panic. I advise you to take things easy and maintain a healthy diet, please let me know of any changes, even the minor ones.” Shinobu reached out to squeeze your hand with kind eyes, “I’m here as your doctor and as your friend”

After that visit you both felt a little uneasy, but you trusted her nonetheless, after all there wasn’t much else to do. Shinobu was able to estimate that you were still in your first trimester, roughly 7-8 weeks into your pregnancy, so there is still a long way to go and lots to do.

“You know maybe we should take this moment to address your hoarder problem” you joked from the doorway of what would be a nursery. Zenitsu was drenched in sweat as he moved boxes around in an unproductive cycle of  ‘I forgot we had this!” and “We will need this one day”  His narrowed eyes met your lit pair and his frustration melted away, it was never easy to be mad at you, especially not as you carried his child. “I found something today when I was in town” he started, stretching his back. “Oh yea? Anything interesting?” you asked, shuffling through yet another box of useless knick knacks. Zenitsu left the room for just a second before returning with a small brown bag; he offered it to you shyly, which you accepted gratefully. It was heavy and when you pulled out the gift tissue you felt yourself swell with pride and your eyes with tears. Inside there were two things; a yellow, cotton blanket with white stitching going across all sides and a small “A” embroidered in one corner–the whole thing was big enough to swaddle a newborn. You pulled out the second item with delicate fingers, a pair of leather bound boots with fur trimmed insides, too small to actually fit a human being. “I saw them and figured that they'd be here in winter so I got it” Zenitsu rambled, but his eyes were filled with a different kind of adoration that you couldn't help but fall harder for the man before you.

“You’re going to be an amazing father, you know” you sniffled putting these gifts away softly. “Only because you gave me a chance. I’m going to mess up a hundred times, but I’d only ever do it with you” he leaned in to nuzzle his nose against yours, placing a gentle kiss on your lips. You didn’t think things could get any better, there, with your husband and the small bump that had taken shape.  

It was the middle of the night when Zenitsu woke in a cold sweat, frantic. Something wasn’t right. Zenitsu could feel it, rather he couldn’t hear it. That constant heartbeat he knew he should hear, he knew should be there, the one he remembers hearing just before he went to bed hours ago. Your breathing had become labored as sweat beads clung to your brow, your face contorting in a pain Zenitsu couldn’t see and whimpers escaped your parted lips. “ (Y/n) you need to wake up” he shook you till your eyes opened, agony painted in your hazy orbs. “We need to get to Shinobu, we need-” his voice caught as he pulled back the comforter to find thick blotches of blood staining the sheets between your legs. He gasped in terror, torn between the blood and your cries and the what if? He scooped you out of bed and ran like hell. Without shoes and neither of you properly dressed he bolted out the front door with you coddled to his chest, the blood roaring in his ears as he looked down to see you clinging to his chest.

When he arrived at the estate, Shinobu was awake and ushered him in. It was all happening so fast; Shinobu and a few staff members rushed around your writhing body that laid on the bed. Zenitsu didn’t speak, didn’t breathe as he searched in all the frantic shuffling for a single sound. The room had become stiff and somber as Shinobu sat with her stethoscope, the room clear of everyone else but you three. “I’m so sorry, but…I can’t find anything. I’m so sorry” Shinobu’s voice was tight as she looked from you to Zenitsu. “No, no you need to keep looking, you have to keep looking” your hands grabbed hers and forced it to keep at what Zenitsu knew was a useless search; the baby was gone. “(Y/N) please-”Zenitsu heard his own hoarse voice muffled and distant. You turned to him slowly, silently, your mouth hanging open in disbelief, begging for answers your husband couldn't give you, so he just shook his head.

Your face twisted as you brought your legs together, one hand clutching your heart and the other holding yourself. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” you sobbed into the room, rocking back and forth with each hysterical scream. You couldn’t even tell who you were apologizing to. Yourself? Your husband? Shinobu and all your other friends? This baby whose life ended before it could even start? The pain creeping into your spent throat wasn’t enough to overcome the unbearable, indescribable weight ripping you from the inside out.

Zenitsu had seen a lot of anguish in his life, too much for one person, but watching you now felt worse than anything he’d ever done. He’d rather be turned into a demon and forced to burn with every sunrise than ever watch this gut wrenching agony overcome you again. How did things go so wrong so quickly? Not that it mattered now, though. There would be time to grieve and time to think of all the scenarios that wouldn't happen later, but now as you screamed your lungs raw Zenitsu had to move and focus on you. Shinobu had excused herself at some point, leaving you two alone. He crawled next to you, cradling you to him as you both sobbed till there couldn’t possibly be more tears, yet still you continued to cry together, clinging to one another. Words didn’t need to be exchanged for either of you to understand that things didn't feel okay now and they wouldn’t for a while, but that's alright because you had Zenitsu and he had you–two heartbeats that would always beat as one.

Tomorrow, you and the others were meant to leave Uzui’s estate, however he insisted he throw a magnificent dinner to celebrate, despite all he’d already done. Honestly, prior to the near death experience he’d saved you from, you hadn’t thought much of Tengen. Sure, you admired his skill, but he had his job and you had yours, that was it. The room smelled of sour booze and stale tobacco, drags of smoke wrapped around half-finished dishes that littered the few tables, each covered in dozens of bowls and platters that were once filled with delicious food. It was well into the night before you even noticed that the room had dwindled down to just a handful of people as the others had drifted off to their private rooms. Lord Tengen sat amongst some of the other men, drinking themselves silly as turned over ceramic jugs covered the floor, empty of the sake or beer it once held.

You were more concerned with the simple card game you and three others had been playing for some time. The game was easy enough, you simply had to match the color or number of the card placed until you held only one card, then none. At first you only wanted to play a few rounds before nodding off, however someone decided to up the stakes by adding money into the pool. Loose change slowly turned into rolled up dollars each just as full as the one next to it. Now, you wouldn’t consider yourself a gambler or anything close to a sore loser, but if you didn’t win this haul you were sure you’d throw the table across the room. The air was tight around all four players, the man sitting directly in front of you must not have had a good hand because small sweat beads dotted his brow and his fingers anxiously grated against the wood top. He could have been acting, of course, but really it didn’t matter because your deal was enough to make a grown man cry with that much money on the line. You held in your hand a trio of three different colors that all had different numbers painted on them; it was either your saving grace or led to your demise, a risk nonetheless. The woman beside you placed down a ‘draw 4’ card, she snickered as the man from before turned pale as he grabbed four fresh cards to add to his deck, nearly fainting as he counted. Your poor luck had struck at the very start of this match as you had drawn the smallest number, putting your turn last. When it was your turn, you changed the color by placing a yellow 7 on top of the disorganized pile. The woman to your left laughed, placing down a card and shouting “Uno!” to which the entire table sighed.

“Two cards, just two more and you can make it out of this with heavy pockets” you thought, however you couldn’t stop the worry from coming to invade the back of your thoughts. Time seemed surreal as each player went, the entire room itself seemed to disappear with each nervous shuffle and placement, not a single person broke concentration. Just as it was your turn again, a woman walked in to greet the room, however you barely paid it any mind. The card placed last almost laughed at you with its obnoxious red paint because, of course, both pieces you held could be used, but which one would turn the game in your favor? Do you play it safe and place the red 3 or switch colors again with the blue 8? You looked between the two cards as if they would give you a clue, anything that would help. “Let’s go little one, we haven’t got all night”  you glanced at the woman with her single card faced downward as if she was certain the pile was her’s. Wait–the only reason anyone would be so confident with a single card is if they are certain they could win with it which means she must have a red card. Your hand moved faster than your brain could think, slamming the blue one onto the deck, revealing your decision to the womens horror with a wild grin, “Uno!” The rest of the room stilled, everyone turning to watch as your  sweet victory was just one card away, while the other players gawked at the blue card as if it was some sort of cheat.The woman looked from her card to the pile in utter disbelief. You placed the hand with your single card under your chin, careful to conceal its contents,“Well, we haven't got all night” you mocked with a smile.

Tengen had abandoned his dull game some time ago, instead opting to slosh together some killer concoction he knew  he’d regret in the morning. “Uno!” someone called out from the other side of the room. Uzui looked over as four players were engaged in a serious match, he could clearly see a pile of money in the center of the table. “Well, we haven't got all night” the player furthest from him urged in a too-sweet tone. They wore a crazed expression with a raised brow and smile that trapped Uzui’s gaze, interesting. “ Lord Tengen I don’t know what's in that cup, but something tells me it will lead you to an early death” Hinatsuru joked, sitting down on the chair's armrest. “My tolerance could drain a village dry of their alcohol supply, this is child's play” he replied without looking away from the player. Hinatsuru followed her husband's line of vision to find you, she looked back at him and took note of that familiar glint in his eyes.

The woman trembled as she picked from the deck, silent prayers swimming in her gaze as she scanned her pick. The game had become a source of entertainment for the entire room as a collective gasp was released: she got a fucking blue card. Her relief was obvious as she breathed out “Uno” You zeroed in on the other two players, daring them to mess this up for you by placing a ‘draw’ card. Neither did. Really, you didn’t have to be so extravagant when placing your last card, but after all the pent up stress of losing the money, you couldn’t help it. You jumped onto your feet swiftly, your hair swaying from side to side as your hand presented the back end of the card, turning it over with two fingers smuggly “I win!” you cheered for yourself, slamming the card on the table in a bow-like motion causing coins to clank against the floor. You raised slowly, lowering your hands while you still wore a cocky grin, moving to collect your prize. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed swift fingers reaching for a roll of cash that had fallen off the table during your performance. Your foot acted on its own, squashing the hand of a fellow player beneath it, “Yo! It's not nice to steal from others” your eyes grew in size, consuming the man entirely forcing him to shrink back, “Sorry”

Loud thunder claps reverberated throughout the room as Tengen strode closer, the clang of his head piece blended with the coins dropping into your purse. “You really know how to put on a show, congratulations on your win” he reached his large hand out to help you stand, enveloping your fingers in his. You looked up at the man,“Thank you, Lord Tengen” you couldn’t help staring a moment longer than necessary. “You play better than anyone I’ve ever seen, much better than these dull idiots” you laughed. He watched as you looked up at him through your lashes with a coy smile–you couldn’t help but notice how his chest rose with every breath, his large arms, and the way the light caught in his eyes. Someone in the room coughed. You grounded yourself, “Thank you again for everything, good night”

You rushed outside of the stuffy room into the dim hallway, cheeks flushed, “Lord, he should be illegal” You found  your room for the last time in a daze, thinking only of shiny silver locks and flashy smiles, “Excuse me” a woman called, catching your attention. “Yes?” “(Y/N), the physician has asked that you stay an extra day or two to ensure you are in any position to return to work” The woman was nothing short of beautiful; long dark hair, alluring eyes, and her voice filled you with an unexplainable warmth. “Oh, thank you for letting me know. I was hoping to get back to my duties, but I will see them early tomorrow morning” she bowed politely, “have a good night…”

“Hinatsuru”

“Have a good night, Hinatsuru” she left with a kind smile.

The next morning, Hinatsuru asked if you’d join her and a few others for breakfast to which you agreed. “Does Lord Tengen usually eat alone?” you asked the three women at the table, “No, he just doesn't listen and had too much to drink last night”  Makio answered shoveling food onto her plates.  “Maybe we should bring him food? He must not feel well” the other, Suma added, already setting aside food for the Hashira. You watched as the three women interacted, Makio lecturing Suma about something while Hinatsuru acted as the voice of reason; you didn’t know who these women were or why they asked if you’d join them, but it felt like you were intruding on something. While they did nothing but make you feel welcomed, they were surrounded by what seemed like an impenetrable bond, they all held a secret you clearly didn’t know–you couldn't help but shift nervously. “So, tell us about yourself (Y/n), we rarely host guests” Hinatsuru asked. The rim of the cup rested against your lips for a second longer than intended, the nutty green tea flavor comforted your anxiety, its warmth spreading through your chest. What does one even say in this situation? It wasn’t as if you had anything special to offer to the conversation and it would be awkward to go over your life story. You cleared your throat, “Well, I’m obviously part of the corps, but you knew that. I sort of just go on missions when needed and work on my breathing technique, ice style” “Sick! You practice a breathing technique just like Lord Tenegn” Makio’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. It was hard to hold the upturn of your lips, “Yea! My grandfather trained me since I was a child, when he passed I dedicated my life to perfecting all eight forms” rarely did anyone care for your technique because its roots did not go as deep as some of the others, but it was beautiful nonetheless.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what is it that you three–” the sound of regret and hungover babble rounded the corner to reveal almost seven feets worth of  a fallen man. Uzui gripped the door with one hand and his head with the other, moaning about how bright the room was and how his head was splittering. You scurred to your feet to bow out of respect for his position, however it was an easy way to quickly hide your bright blush. The man must have just rolled out of bed as he wore nothing but a blue silk robe with white and gold patterns stitched across, knotted loosely at the waist to reveal his tan chiseled chest, lean legs, and a path that led dangerously low down his to navel. “We told you so!” the other women choursed.

His eyes adjusted to the room, spotting you quickly and rushing over “You’re the woman from last night. Are you still hurt? Do we need a physician?” his concern was clear, but your confusion was clearer. “N-no sir, I feel just fine, the physician did ask to see me though before I left” your voice wavered at the lack of distance between the towering man, his large hands wrapped around your arm to inspect non-existent injuries. The room was silent for a moment as he scanned your form for himself, all eyes from the table watching approvingly–again they exchanged a glance that conveyed a single thought  you couldn’t decipher. “If you’ll excuse me, I shouldn’t keep him waiting” you wiggled yourself free from the man, clasping your hands, “Thank you for the meal, it was a pleasure meeting all three of you, really” You made your way toward the exit, itching to be released from their gaze, “Hold On!” Tengen’s voice halted your step, “What was your name again?” you turned, “(Y/n)”. “I’d love to see you off before you leave, (Y/N)” his wide grin tickled your heart strings in the most pleasant, unfamiliar way possible. You could only manage a small nod in response.

Your frustration was obvious; that bogus physician claimed you were not well and needed to be closely monitored, how he came to this conclusion with only a quick glance at your physical form was beyond you. House servants were quick to move out of your way as you plowed through the halls fuming, their faces matching something of  panic and bewilderment. “ Hey there (Y/n), what's got your ears all red? I think you're scaring the others” Suma’s bright blue eyes popped into your line of vision catching you off guard. Her face was tilted just a bit and very, very close to yours. “That quack doctor says I’m ‘not well’ and that I can’t return to my regular life because of a few stitches. What he doesn’t know is that he will not be well after I get my–” your hands strangled the air as you grumbled,  fighting against the imaginary doctor. Suma giggled as she grabbed your palms, twisting her long fingers into yours, “Is that such a bad thing? I mean, you feel good plus you get free vacation time here with us, is it really all that bad?” her words were sweet and soothing, ebbing away at any anger you felt and replacing it with bubbles of excitement. How bad could it be? She squeezed your hands, you sighed “Okay”

The days passed too quickly, each of them webbing together to create an almost dream-like state of mind; perfect, peaceful, never boring. Despite spending a short time with them, it was clear how genuine those three women were; they treated you with nothing but kindness, showered you in attention, and made you feel so welcomed. You’d honestly forgotten why you were there in the first place. With Suma, you’d spent hours making baked goods and giggling at jokes that never really made sense yet were hilarious in the moment. Makio taught you skill’s she grew up perfecting as a Shinobi, which you learned all three women were, and in turn you showed her how your breathing technique worked. Cozy beneath wool blankets with steaming drinks grasped firmly in your hands, Hinatsuru and you would stay up well after everyone else has already gone to bed, reminiscing over old stories and exposing random bits of yourselves. Regardless of what you said or how long you droned, she gifted you her undivided attention, eyes blown with intrigue and some strange form of  adoration you didn’t dare dwell on for too long; she heard every word you spoke and appreciated every second of your time. Of course there was Tengen. After you’d overcome the initial starstruck, you were introduced to someone who was passionate and thoughtful, someone who pulled such real laughter from inside that your ribs hurt. He showed you wonderful gardens with rows of flowers in  full ‘fabulous’ bloom and while he was far from being musically inclined (ironically) he presented  extravagant instruments from around the globe that you’d never heard of and probably would never hear again. The attention from all four of them was intoxicating, creating a space that teetered between overwhelming and exhilarating as if you’d won some sort of lottery and this was your gift.

Though, a pesky voice in the back of your head questioned, why? What had you done to gain the attention of not one, but four exceptional beings? Also, what the hell could have been wrong with you in the first place to warrant this extended stay? You’d figured some things were left better unanswered, moments of bliss left untainted by insecurities or negative thoughts. Besides, you left tomorrow without any chance of staying–you had a job after all, one that thousands depended on.

Your last dinner at Uzui’s estate was far from bland; he served only the finest meats paired with aged wines, fresh fish and spectacular dishes with flavors you’d crave for the rest of your life. Well into the meal, after several finished plates and a few empty cups, your cheeks dusted a pretty pink, ceaseless laughter bubbling past you parted lips; it was nice to have a seat at a loving table like this. “That’s pretty ridiculous Makio” you teased between hiccups, earning a pout for the women “Says the one who’s laugh sounds like someone choking on water” you feigned offense, “ I happen to think (Y/n) has a very nice laugh” Suma added, causing warmth to spread to your ears.

You cleared your throat, gaining everyone's attention as you shifted slightly to allow for your forehead to kiss the ground and your palms to press above you. “Thank you all for the care you’ve shown me and for allowing me to stay in your home. I have cherished every moment here and will never be able to express how grateful I am.” you paused, “I’m very happy to have met all of you” you finished with a sad smile.  The table was quiet for only a few seconds before Hinatsuru tapped your left shoulder from her place at the table, “Please rise, there is no need for thanks” her voice dipped low an octave. The entire table shared a single fond gaze, save for  Tengen who wore an expression of delight and his famous wide smile.

“(Y/n), can I confess something to you?” Uzui asked politely to which you nodded, placing some of the savory chicken into your mouth. “We have grown very attached to you, it will be difficult saying goodbye to you in the morning” you followed along enjoying every bite of food, “When Hinatsuru suggested we have you stay a little longer the first time you were meant to leave, I agreed because you really did need to recover plus something about you seemed so special” your chewing stalled. “Now my wives and I may be persistent, but please understand we only had good intentions” the food in your mouth stalled, you could barely get it down as you stopped the man with a single, shaky hand. “Your wives…what are you talking about?” you sounded hollow, the corners of your lips downturned in disappointment. Makio chimed in, “We told the doctor to lie to you so that we could get to know you more and in turn, you’d get to know us” your eyes darted across each panicked face searching for the lie, some unsaid joke, but found nothing. “You got all that from a fucking game of cards you watched me play? You all kept me here on a lie, you-” Tengen interjected, “You could have left whenever you wanted and you chose to stay, remember that '' the initial shock quickly wore away, shifting into an overwhelming bout of emotions you almost gagged on. “And I chose to stay” you repeated bitterly, your hands lay pressed against your lips in disbelief; contempt, humiliation, disappointment, and heartbreak fought each other to present itself, collapsing into a pile of silent tears. How could you have ever let yourself be so stupid, so oblivious.

“It was impulsive, I know that, but when I saw you I felt this sort of unexplainable connection, Tengen felt it too so I knew there had to be something there.” Hinatsuru pleaded, reaching for your arm as if her touch could ease away the betrayal you felt. “We love having you here and we love the person we’ve gotten to know, please give us a chance” a single tear fell down her pale cheek. For the first time you spared a glance at the other women, Makio was comforting a sobbing Suma, both of them wearing a hurt look. “How could any of you think I would take this well? Was I just some fourth notch on your fucking belts? What if I ended up being some lab rat that didn’t meet your expectations?” anger's rancid taste  made its way onto your lips. “Enough” Uzui rounded the table at lightning speed, grabbing your full form between his hands. “ All of us really like you, let us be there for you and show you a love you deserve to feel. I love my wives and would go to the ends of the earth for them, allow me to do the same for you” you weren’t sure what hurt more, the words he spoke or the absolute sincerity he spoke them with. The longer you made contact with his set maroon eyes, serious and confident, the more you crumpled away into hurt. “Please put me down” you asked to which he obliged immediately. You looked to each pair in the of eyes in the room, “I don’t care what your intentions were, all those moment we shared were built on a lie and that, I cannot forgive” Suma sobbed, I am collecting my belongs and I am leaving” Uzui started, “No, you will wait till day break at least-” “I made the mistake of staying once, I’ll be damned if I make it again” you turned to reach for the door, but stopped short as Hinatsuru whispered. “At the very beginning, had we asked you to stay, would you have?” you crossed the threshold of the doorway, “No” the truth never hurt more to say aloud.

Your borrowed clothes suddenly burned and clung too tightly to your body, your skin felt dirty and used, desperate for a cold wash as you hastily changed into whatever you owned. You thought you could hear voices down the hall as you rushed to the main exit, but you paid them no mind–this house was suffocating and you needed out of it. It was too good to be true, you knew that now. That so-called gift you thought you won was actually another cruel trick of fate disguised as a happy moment you clearly did not deserve. Your heart clenched at Hinatsuru’s words because of course they rang the tiniest bit true. You could see it; this being your life surrounded by these people you may not love now, but could truly love in the future. They wanted to be there for you, to care for you, somewhere deep down you wanted that too.

After everything though, was it even worth trying? You must not have thought so, as you worked down the beaten path, further and further away. Perhaps you’d spend the rest of your life asking what would have become of this life, but at least that was a decision you made and for you, that was enough.