Brew Haven Cafe
The cafeteria buzzed with life, laughter bubbling up from tables filled with chatter and clinking dishes. It felt almost surreal, like a vibrant painting she was trapped outside of. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for her familiar face. It had been too long.
As she found a spot at a small table in the corner, the scent of coffee and warm pastries enveloped her, grounding her in the moment. Savannah couldn't shake the heaviness in her chest, a reminder of the silence that had seeped into her life since he was gone. She stirred her untouched cup of tea, watching the steam twist and curl into the air, just like the memories that swirled in her mind.
Then, there she was. Anastasia. Her hair pulled back in a loose bun, a bright smile breaking through the haze that had settled over her heart. As she approached, Savannah tried to muster a smile in return, but it felt like a fragile mask.
"Hey!" she said, wrapping her arms around Savannah in a warm embrace. Savannah sank into her, grateful for the comfort, yet the weight of her grief felt like an anchor, pulling her deeper into the shadows.
"Hey," Savannnah replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She searched her eyes for understanding, hoping she could see the storm brewing beneath her surface.
"Let's get some food," she said, her tone bright and hopeful, yet there was an undercurrent of concern in her voice. They moved to the line, and she tried to focus on the choices in front of her. Savannah could hear her talking about her recent vacation, laughter spilling from her lips like it used to, but she felt like an observer, watching through a foggy glass.
As thet settled back at the table with their plates, Ana's chatter softened, and she leaned in, her expression shifting to something more serious. "How have you been?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and full. Savannah took a breath, feeling the tears prick but it didnt come out "I'm... trying," she said, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. "Some days are better than others."
She nodded, her gaze steady and compassionate. "I'm here for you, you know that, right?"
Savannah nodded, the warmth of her presence wrapping around her like a blanket. It was comforting, yet the reminder of what she had lost pierced through. Savannah opened my mouth to speak, to let it all out the pain, the memories, the unbearable absence-but the words tangled in her throat.
Instead, she took a sip of her tea, letting the warmth wash over her. The room buzzed on around them, a reminder that life was moving forward, even when she felt stuck in place. But with Anastasia here, Maybe, just maybe, she could begin to share the burden, piece by piece, with someone who understood, and we can get back together.
"Ana," Savannah said, as they began to gather their things. "I've been meaning to ask... how was your wedding?" The question felt heavy, laden with the weight of her lost memories.
Her smile faltered for a moment, and savannah noticed a flicker of something in her eyes- sadness, maybe? "Um, about that..." she started slowly, glancing down at her hands. "I didn't get married."
Savannah's heart sank, confusion swirling inside her. "What do you mean you didn't get married? I thought-"
"Two days before the wedding, I got the news," she interrupted softly. Savannah could see the pain etched on her face, and it felt like a punch to her gut. "About your disappearance And about your son."
The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. "What?" she whispered, grappling with the sudden surge of emotions. "I don't understand. Why would you."
She took a breath, steadying herself. "You were gone, and I didn't know what to do. And then I found out about your son... I couldn't go through with it. It felt wrong to celebrate when you were in such pain." she continued "I may not be a great friend for you but I just wanted to be there for you."
The reality crashed over Savannah like a tidal wave. Her memory loss had created a gap where joy should have been-her wedding, a moment of love and celebration,. She could feel the saddness "I didn't know... I'm so sorry."
Ana reached for her hand, her grip reassuring. "You don't have to apologize. You were dealing with so much. We were all worried about you."
"I didn't even know I was missing," Savannah said, the words trembling as she spoke. "I lost that entire year."
She nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "I wanted to be there for you. I still want to be. You're my best friend, and I'm here for you, no matter what."
Ana gave her a pricky smile "Don't worry, good news is on the way" Savannah raised her brows "What?" Ana leaned back on her sat "You'll know in the coming month."
Next Day
Baldwin's mansion
The soft glow of the chandelier illuminated the grand staircase as she descended, each step echoing in the silence of the mansion. Dressed in a sleek black outfit that hugged her form. The air was heavy with unspoken words, a tension that crackled between them, and Savannah could sense it even before she reached the bottom.
As she stepped into the main hall, her breath caught in her throat. He stood there, dressed in a tailored black suit, looking every bit of him. His sharp features were shadowed by the dim light, vet the intensity in his qaze was unmistakable. A few of his men lingered nearby.
Their presence a reminder of the world he navigated-but can't pinpoint.
Savannah approached him, her heart heavy. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. The weight of the moment pressed down on them, and she could see the burden he carried.
Blaze turned to her, his expression softening just a fraction. "I'm fine," he replied, though she could tell it was more of a formality than the truth. "Just... a lot on my mind." he added "You dont't have to Saavannah, I can go through this" Savannah just looked at him with neutral expression "I want to" she added "I know how hard it goes, I understand" Savannah wanted to reach out, to reassure him, but something held her back.
Blaze was so glad to have her, he didn't know what would his like will be without her he cant even imagine that, this woman will be the death of him one day, he predicted. She is perfect in his eyes.
He met her gaze, and for a moment, the world around Blaze faded. "I know," he said quietly, a hint of gratitude lacing his tone. "It means more than you realize."
They walked toward the waiting car. They were two souls intertwined in a complicated dance, and for the first time in a long while.
Graveyard
The chill of the autumn air wrapped around them as they walked through the graveyard, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot punctuating the stillness. The sky was a muted gray, and
Savannah feel the weight of the day pressing down on them both. It had been a year since his father passed, a year filled with unsaid words and unhealed wounds, and today was a day of remembrance.
He walked with a quiet intensity, his jaw set, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat. Savannah admired him for his strength, but she also felt the ache of his grief, a palpable thing that hung between them like a thick fog. It was a moment he needed to navigate on his own.
As they approached the grave, She caught a glimpse of the headstone, the inscription still fresh in her mind. It felt surreal to stand there, in this sacred space, where love and loss coexisted. She took a deep breath, trying to steady ger own swirling emotions. This was about him today, not her. But she felt the same nauseous feeling as once she was there for her son.
He stopped, and Savannah stayed a step behind, giving him the space he needed. She watched as he knelt before the grave, his expression a mix of sorrow and reflection.
After a moment, he pulled a small bouquet of his secretary's hand, placing them gently at the base of the headstone. "I miss you, Dad," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. It was a simple statement, yet it carried the weight of everything left unsaid.
Savannah took a step closer, patted his shoulder. "It's fine," she said softly, her voice steady. "Don't hold yourself"
He turned looked up, his eyes meeting her, and in that moment, Savannah saw the vulnerability behind his facade. "Thank you," he replied, the sincerity in his tone cutting through the somber atmosphere. "It just feels... heavy."
"I Understand" she said, stepping closer still, the warmth of her presence a silent offer of support. She wanted to say more but held back.
He nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back to the grave. "I just wish I could talk to him one more time," he admitted, the crack in his voice revealing a glimpse of the pain he carried. "There's so much I didn't get to say."
"I know," Savannah said, feeling tears of her own eyes. "But he knew you loved him. That will never change."
After a long pause, he stood, his posture a little less tense, the heaviness in his shoulders slightly lifted. "Let's go," he said, and she felt a surge of gratitude that he was willing to leave this place.
"No wait!" Savannah denied this confused Blaze as he looked at her with questioning eyes, "Give me few minutes" and with that she walked away from there leaving Blaze looking at her back.
"How much time do we have?" Blaze asked his secreatry who soon came toward him "The meeting starts in an hour" he insformed Blaze nodded and looked back at the gravestone which engaved his fathers name "You sure is time taking, father" totally changing his tone and expression to something that was quite sinisters. "The reason I never liked you".
Soon after Savannah with something in her hand "You're back" Blaze said when she reached him she nodded Then, with a deep breath, she crouched, her heart pounding. She pulled the small photo, the edges worn and faded. It was a picture of him-his infectious joy captured in a moment when he was little. She carefully placed it at the base of the headstone, right beside the flowers he had brought.
Blaze turned, surprised, his eyes widening as he took in the image. "Is that...?" His voice trailed off, a mixture of confusion and gratitude washing over his features.
Savannah nodded, "Found this in the mansion asked to Arthur" her throat tight. "I thought he should see you, too. You're his son, and I know he'd want to remember you like this."
For a moment, he was silent, absorbing the gesture. Savannah could see the emotions flickering in his eyes-grief, nostalgia, and a flicker of warmth. "Thank you," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot to me."
Blaze felt a rush of relief and something deeper-an understanding that transcended words.
He leaned closer to the grave, brushing his fingers over the photo she had placed there. "I wish he could see how far I've come," he murmured, his gaze distant. "I wish I could tell him everything."
"You can," she said softly, "In your heart, he's always with you. You carry him wherever you go."
Blaze was again so happy to have her to see her this side, he wish he could tell her all the truth, even if he doesn't like his father, this gesture from her maens alot to him. He loved how thoughtful she was.
Author's Note :
Enjoy everyone<3
Take care of yourselves <3
Have a great day/night <3<3