Chapter 11 - THE QUESTION I WAS AFRAID TO ANSWER
Daniel and I had been dating for almost a year when he told me he loved me.
We were in my kitchen.
Lily and Grace were asleep.
The dishwasher was humming.
I was wearing old sweatpants.
My hair was tied in a messy bun.
Daniel stood beside the sink, drying dishes.
He looked at me.
“Claire.”
“Hmm?”
“I love you.”
I froze.
The dish towel slipped from my hands.
He smiled nervously.
“You don't have to say it back.”
I stared at him.
He continued.
“I just wanted you to know.”
My throat tightened.
For months, I'd felt myself falling in love with him.
But the words frightened me.
Because love had once made me vulnerable.
And vulnerability had nearly destroyed me.
Daniel stepped closer.
“Hey.”
I looked up.
“It's okay.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“I don't know if I can do this again.”
He nodded.
“Then we go slowly.”
I swallowed.
“What if I get scared?”
“Then you tell me.”
“What if I need space?”
“I'll respect it.”
“What if I can't trust you?”
His expression softened.
“Then I'll keep showing you who I am. You can decide what to believe.”
I began crying.
Daniel opened his arms.
I stepped into them.
He held me quietly.
And after a long time, I whispered, “I love you too.”
He kissed my forehead.
No fireworks.
No dramatic music.
May you like
Just two people standing in a kitchen.
Choosing each other.
