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Gerald carefully maneuvered his car into a parking spot outside Aubrey’s apartment building. The hum of the engine died down as he switched it off, leaving a heavy silence between them. He glanced at Aubrey, noticing the way her shoulders had slumped as they neared her place. There was a tiredness in her posture that tugged at his heart.
"We’re here," Gerald said softly, breaking the silence.
Aubrey nodded, her movements slow as she unbuckled her seatbelt. "Yeah," she murmured, almost to herself, before reaching for the door handle. Gerald quickly stepped out of the car and hurried around to her side, opening the door for her.
"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped out. Gerald offered her a small, reassuring smile, trying to read the emotions playing across her face, but she kept her gaze low, focused on the ground.
They walked side by side toward the apartment building, the evening air cool against their skin. Aubrey hugged her arms around herself, and Gerald couldn’t help but notice how small and fragile she seemed at that moment. He wanted to reach out, to pull her into a comforting embrace, but he held back, unsure if she would welcome the gesture. Instead, he walked quietly beside her.
The entrance to the building loomed ahead, and they stepped inside. The lobby was quiet, almost eerily so, with only the distant hum of the elevator breaking the stillness. They made their way to the elevator, and Gerald pressed the button for Aubrey’s floor.
When the elevator stopped at her floor, they stepped out and walked down the hallway to her door. Aubrey pressed her passcode and unlocked the door. She turned to Gerald, her hand lingering on the doorknob.
"Thank you for dropping me off," she said, her voice soft but genuine.
Gerald smiled warmly at her. "Don’t think about it," he replied, waving off her thanks as if it were nothing. In truth, he would have driven her anywhere if it meant making her life just a bit easier. "You should get some rest," he added gently, his hand gesturing toward her apartment. "I’ll let you get settled in."
He started to turn, but before he could take a step, Aubrey’s hand reached out, wrapping around his wrist. Her touch was light, almost hesitant, but there was a quiet desperation in the way she held on to him. Gerald looked back at her, his brows knitting together in concern.
"Gerald," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "Could you... could you stay for a while?"
He blinked in surprise, not expecting the request. "Are you sure?" he asked, studying her face for any sign of what she might be feeling. "I don’t want to disturb you. You must be exhausted. You need to rest."
Aubrey shook her head, a small, almost pleading smile tugging at her lips. "I’m fine," she insisted, though her voice still held that note of tiredness. "I just... I don’t like the feeling of being alone right now."
He could see how much it cost her to admit that, to acknowledge the loneliness she was feeling. Aubrey had always been strong, independent, but here she was, letting down her walls, even just a little. It made him want to protect her, to be there for her in any way he could.
"If you really have to go, I understand," Aubrey continued, her grip on his wrist loosening slightly as if she was preparing herself for the possibility of him leaving. But before she could finish, Gerald cut her off.
"No," he said firmly, reaching up to gently clasp her hand in his. "I can stay."
Aubrey’s face softened with relief, and she offered him a genuine smile, the first one he’d seen from her since they left the restaurant. "Thank you, G," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
As they stepped inside Aubrey’s apartment, the familiar warmth of her home wrapped around them. "Make yourself comfortable," Aubrey said softly, her voice pulling him out of his thoughts. She offered him a small smile before heading toward her bedroom, her luggage dragging lightly behind her. Gerald nodded, watching her retreat down the hallway.
Once she was out of sight, he moved to the couch and sat down, sinking into the plush cushions. After a few minutes, Aubrey emerged from her bedroom. She had changed into a comfortable oversized sweater and a pair of soft leggings. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, stray strands framing her face in a way that made her seem younger, almost like the girl he remembered from years ago.
Without a word, Aubrey walked over to the couch and sat down next to Gerald, close enough that their legs brushed against each other. She hesitated for a brief moment, then gently reached out and hugged his arm, pulling it close as she laid her head on his shoulder. The gesture was so tender, so vulnerable, that it sent a warmth spreading through Gerald’s chest. He instinctively tightened his arm around her, holding her close, offering her the comfort she so clearly needed.
For a while, they sat in silence, the only sound the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. Aubrey’s breathing was soft and steady, but Gerald could feel the tension in the way she held onto him, as if she was trying to find solace in his presence. He didn’t say anything, knowing that sometimes, words weren’t necessary. Just being there, just letting her know she wasn’t alone, was enough.
After a few moments, Aubrey finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wish someone had told me before that loving someone could be this hard," she said, her words tinged with a quiet sadness.
Gerald glanced down at her, his heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. He chuckled softly, though it was more out of understanding than amusement. "Yeah," he answered, his tone gentle. "I know what you mean."