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The Uber slows to a stop in front of Michael's house, interrupting my thoughts. I thank the driver and step out of the vehicle. I take a deep breath before I walk towards his front door.
I called Jessica earlier, confirming that Michael hadn't been at the office for a few days. His car is parked in the driveway giving me a sign that he's home. Uncertainty swirls within me as I stand in front of the door, unable to decide to knock on the door.
Will Michael let me talk to him? What should I say to him? How is he going to respond? Would he hate me? Would he hate John?
Pushing aside my doubts, I knock on the front door.
Michael opens the door. He is standing in front of me with his eyes wide open in shock. He calls out my name, questioning my unexpected visit, "Serena, what are you doing here?"
I see Michael’s bruised face and struggle to find the words.
I gasp, and my hands instinctively reach out to hold his face. "Michael," I whisper, tears welling up in my eyes. "I didn't realize... I didn't know how badly John had hurt you." I’m shocked and concerned.
Michael's expression softens as he wipes my tears and says, "It's not your fault, Serena. None of this is your fault." He gently wraps his arms around me, and I sink into his embrace, feeling the warmth and appreciating his love.
I hug him back tightly, but he groans from the pain I caused as I unintentionally tighten my grip. Instantly, I release my hold and apologize profusely.
"I'm so sorry, Michael. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay," He whispers, pulling me closer again.
As I hold him, tears streaming down my face, "I'm so sorry, Michael," I manage to speak between sobs. "I never wanted any of this to happen. I didn't mean for things to get so out of control."
Michael pulls away slightly, his hands cupping my face, his eyes staring into mine.
"Serena, listen to me," he says firmly, "This isn't your burden to bear alone. I should have handled things differently. I shouldn't have asked you to talk to John more urgently, especially knowing your bond with John."
I lean into his touch, drawing strength from his words.
"But I don't know what to do, Michael," I admit, my voice trembling. "I'm torn between the love I have for John and the love I feel for you. I don’t want to be forced to choose one of you because I don't want to hurt either of you."
His gaze softens, "I know it's a difficult choice, Serena. And I don't expect you to have all the answers right now. But please remember that you're not alone in this. We'll find a way through this together."
.
It’s hard to see him in such a vulnerable state, making my visit even more difficult.
Moments later, I find myself seated beside Michael on the couch, carefully tending to his wounds. Michael winces in pain as I peel away the worn dressing. I apologize as I continue my task more carefully.
"How's John doing?" Michael's question catches me off guard, and my heart swells at his genuine concern. He still cares about John despite everything.
I take a moment to gather my thoughts before responding.
"He's not talking to me," I say softly, "We're essentially living as strangers under the same roof." I shake my head with a heavy heart, "I didn't anticipate things would escalate to this extent."
Michael's gaze remains fixed on me, trying to ease my worries.
"It's hard, Serena, I know. But we have to give him some space. Eventually, he'll come around. We just have to show him that what we have is real."
I stand up abruptly and walk away from Michael. "I don’t know if he’ll ever come around," I respond in frustration and despair. "I don't think John will ever be ready. He's given me an impossible choice and does not want to talk about anything else."
Michael looks confused and his eyes searching for clarification.
"What do you mean?" he asks. I can sense his concerns.
Gathering my courage, I reveal John's request—the choice between him and Michael.
Silence settles between us. Michael's mind processes the information, and then after a long pause, he asks, "Is that the reason why you came here, Serena? Did you come here to break up with me?"
