Whispers of the Love

clanged shut, their crashing reverberations going down the hallways to add tension in the air. Alex clu

h he needed to face this part of his past so that he could move on. She squeezed his hand r

arsh fluorescent lights above, which hovered over the rows of tables and chairs. In the corner,

ticipation. Emma looked at him, her heart paining for the turmoil he was so obviously going thr

. Matt. A face that had once been so spirited now creased with the wear of years behind bars. Bu

over between them: surprise, recognition, and something akin to bitter feelings. As he approached the

nd somehow tired voice. "I didn

s wrapped around Emma's hand tightened. "Matt, I

towards Emma before he again turned them onto Alex. "Well, well

solved issues hanging heavy in the air. Emma said nothing, leav

ugh his eyes betrayed the turmoil behind them. "I've felt guilty about it every day

"You think you had it rough? You had a choice, Alex. I didn

ing deep. "I know, and I'm sorry. I really am. But I

of how complex this friendship had been. She could tell that Alex was wrestling with the ne

g with sincerity. "I came here to confront my past, to admit to the mi

a little to resignation. "You think it's that ea

ding his gaze. "But it is a beginning. We can't g

down on them. Emma saw Matt's face weaken, the hardness in the

voice quiet. "About the choices I made, about where things went w

icker of relief in his eyes. "I've been trying t

"I'm not saying it's all forgiven and forgotten, but pe

in the painful reunion at least, something was possible. Sh

aid with full-on sincerity in his voice

s. "Alright. Let's go and see where th

ies of what might come next. They started to talk about their plans, what each of them hoped to do, how they might support each ot

yet, but they had taken that all-important first step toward reconciliation. The weight of th

with Matt had been cathartic-an opening toward laying to rest the demons of his past and plotting a cour

ust being there with me through all that-that counts for a lot. I really don't know what I would have done without you." Emma s

itas. "You are the world to me, Emma. I really don't

s words as they stared into each other's eyes. "I feel the same way, Alex

she had never known before. This was it, this was right, and she was

e's ups and downs together, lifting each other up during the worse times and celebrated when good things

Emma, his face unusually introspective. "There's something that has been on my mind," he said, h

ss all at once. "I've been thinking about our future, about what comes next for

f Alex, and anticipation along with happiness b

oat, pulling out a small velvet box as his eyes remained steadfast on hers. "Emma, you have brought

ed, the man who had become her all. She felt this warmth ov

id, all joyful. "Ye

mile. They embraced, the world around them disappearing as they stood together

lans for the future. A life so full of love, joy, and never-ending adventure. They

rly excited, they spread the news among their friends and family members. The love and support