When The Wind Stops, True Feelings Remain - Chapter 7

Michael and I had grown up together.

He was always at our house, watching me and my brothers play, a quiet observer. Later, I realized he’d only ever had eyes for me.

As a child, I tried so hard to please Mom, to be perfect.

But the pressure built up inside me. I’d find a secluded spot and smash things. Rocks, glass bottles.

Anything.

It was a release, a terrifying but exhilarating rush of destructive energy. Michael found out.

He started following me, watching me break things. Strangely, his presence calmed me. The rage subsided.

I didn’t feel the need to destroy anymore.

He’d always been there for me, patient, forgiving. I was a force of nature in the business world, and he was my quiet anchor.

Then Jessica met him, and she wanted him. For two years, she drove a wedge between us, fueling arguments, eroding our trust.

But neither of us wanted to let go. If it hadn’t been for the assault, the cancer, I think we would have stayed together forever.

We were intertwined. Michael finally stopped crying. I gently pushed him away.

“Congratulations, by the way. I saw the news. You won that international art competition. That painting was beautiful.”

He took my hand, pressing it to his chest.

“I just wanted to prove to you that I was worthy. That I wasn’t just some starving artist. Now I’ve finally done it, and you’re leaving me.”

“If I’d known about the cancer, I wouldn’t have gone to that stupid competition. I wouldn’t have left your side for a second.”

I pulled my hand away.

“Go, Michael. I want to be alone. Find a nice girl. Live a good life. ”

I turned to walk away. He dropped to his knees.

“Please, Sarah. I’m begging you. Let me stay with you. I don’t know where else to go. Home is wherever you are.”

I couldn’t refuse. I took him to the cottage.

He cooked me dinner, then told me what had happened since I left.

“After David brought your medical records home, your dad hit your mom. For the first time ever. “