After hours of searching the city, Adi finally found Emily, sitting alone on a bench in the park at night.
“There you are.” Adi said, a little out of breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s not you.” Emily said, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s never you. You shouldn’t be here.”
“Talk to me, Em. Don’t shut down on me, please don’t.” He replied, sitting next to her, trying to put a caring arm over her shoulder which she shrugged off.
“Since I met you, you’ve been nothing but kind and caring. Loyal. You’re like a knight trying to rescue the princess.” Emily said staring at the ground, hateful bitterness in her voice. “Only it’s not a princess this time. It’s a fucking monster!”
“What are you talking about?” Adi replied, sounding confused. “What monster?”
“Me!” Emily snapped, turning her head towards him, locking her eyes with his. “I’m the fucking monster! I’m the goddamn fucking piece of shit monster!”
“You’re not a monster.” Adi said, trying to calm and reassure her.
“Yeah, I am.” She whispered, lowering her gaze to the ground. “I ruin everything. I can’t even have a fucking boyfriend without making a mess of things.”
“You didn’t ruin anything. You’re not a monster. Fucked up in the head maybe, but no monster.”
“Thanks.” Emily said sarcastically, moving to get up. “See ya.”
“Emily, wait!” Adi said, grabbing her by the wrist.
Emily turned to face him, a look of defeat on her face. For the first time since they’ve known each other, the light in her face is no longer there.
“You didn’t ruin anything.” He said. “Mom’s not mad at you. She’s sitting up at home waiting to hear from me, she’s worried sick about you. Adam’s pissed, but not at you. At me. And Alyssa, well, I won’t repeat what she said would happen if I didn’t bring you home safe.”
A look of confusion came over her face, she didn’t understand what he was telling her.
“My family fucking loves you, Emily!” Adi stated. “Yeah, making that joke about dad wasn’t the best thing you could have done, but it’s far from the worst.”
“They… love me?” Emily looking more befuddled than before.”
“Yes!” Adi exclaimed. “Mom’s been talking about how she hopes our kids look like their mother.”
“Our… kids?” Emily choked out. “We don’t have kids, do we?”
“Much to mom’s displeasure, no.” Adi stood up and took both of her hands in his. “I know this is a huge shock to you, but we’re here for you. I’M here for you. I love you, and I’m ALWAYS gonna be here for you, I promise.”
“You… love ME?” Emily said, struggling to stay on her feet, the weight of Adi’s words hitting her all at once.
“For fuck’s sake, Em. YES!”
“I’m so sorry Adi.” Emily whispered. “I am so goddamn sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Adi said, pulling her in for a hug. “We love you, we want you to feel loved.”
“I don’t know what that is.” She said, wide eyed with her head against his shoulder. “I’m scared, Adi.”
“I know, but it’ll be ok. I promise.”
Emily didn’t know how to process what she was feeling, it was a warm, full feeling, it felt like everything, even just for a moment, was right in the universe.

5/6/2025, 1:05:58 AM