Once the door was closed behind Samuel, Elliott gestured for her to take a seat.
Lauren sat down, and Elliott sat beside her, holding her hands. The two of them sat in silence for a moment, their eyes focused on each other, taking in the joy and relief of seeing one another again.
Elliott looked at Lauren, his face flushed with emotion, and his heart filled with love as he saw her smile at him.
Lauren looked back at him, her eyes glowing with affection and admiration as she saw his kind and gentle smile. After a moment, Elliott spoke. "I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that alone."
"I-It was you that day, right?" Lauren questioned the obvious.
"Yes, I'm so sorry." Elliott nodded, his voice filled with shame and remorse as he looked away from Lauren, unable to face her.
