True Care
Masterlist
“I can’t.”
You whispered the words, afraid of the reaction to them. It wasn’t as though you didn’t want to, you just weren’t ready. The idea was too daunting.
Just as quietly his hushed voice asked, “Why not?”
“I’m not ready.”
“So it’s not a no.” His soft eyes caught your gaze for a brief moment. Within that second you saw a glimmer of hope flash through his eyes.
You glanced down, “It’s not a no.” You let the unsaid words hang in the air. The words that it could be a yes, in time. That you weren’t unwilling just not ready.
“Then I’ll wait.” He stepped back.
You looked up, expecting resolution. What you saw on his face was a patient acceptance. Your eyes misted at the implications. He was willing to wait for you to be ready. For you to realize what you wanted and what you needed.
“Why?” He should be heartbroken, he should be disappointed, he should-
“Because I care about you,” gentle hands rested on your shoulders, encouraging you to look him in the eye, “and that is enough reason for me to wait if all you need is a bit more time.” He smiled softly, “Besides, I can’t say I truly care if something so small were to destroy that. Don’t rush yourself,” he placed a feather light kiss on your brow and pulled back. “I’ll be here when you’re ready, whatever you decide.”
“Thank you,” the words floated away on the wind, too quiet to hear but he knew. He knew and he would wait, because he cared.
