Whispers Of The Heart

Chapter 20 - Unexpected Returns

NICK'S POV:
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For a better experience, listen to this song: Brother - Matt Corby

I wake up to the eager licks of Patches against my face. A smile brightens my sleepy expression as I gently nudge her away and pet her.

Thoughts of Karl flood my mind, and I can't help but yearn for his presence, despite having seen him just yesterday. I reach for my phone on the nightstand, only to realize that it's merely six in the morning.

I make my way downstairs, feeling the cool wooden steps beneath my feet. As I reach the kitchen, I fill a glass with refreshing water and pour some wet food into Patches' bowl.

As I'm pouring the water into the glass, I'm interrupted by a sudden knock on the front door. I glance at the clock and wonder who could be visiting so early in the morning.

I quickly pull out my phone and check the security cameras. To my surprise, I see Clay standing at the front door. My eyebrows furrow in confusion as I try to process seeing him at my front door. He was supposed to be away until after New Year's.

I rush to the front door and swing it open, my heart pounding with worry. When I see Clay standing there, his eyes swollen and filled with tears, my own heart breaks. The exhaustion is evident on his face, and he looks like he's been through a lot.

I wrap my arms tightly around Clay, holding him close as he cries. I can feel the intensity of his emotions and my heart aches in response. I stroke his back gently, offering comfort and reassurance during his pain. We stand there, in that embrace, allowing the weight of the moment to settle between us.

"Breathe," I softly whisper to Clay, my voice filled with care and reassurance. "You're home now. You're safe. You're here with me." I hold him a little tighter, hoping that my words will bring him some comfort and help him find his calm amidst the storm of emotions.

I hold Clay tightly as we make our way inside, gently guiding him with one hand while carrying his suitcase with the other. The weight of his emotions is heavy, but I'm committed to being there for him every step of the way. Together, we walk through the doorway, entering the safety of our home.

I hurry to the kitchen, feeling the hurry to provide some comfort for Clay. I fill a glass with cool water and return to the living room.

I place the glass on the coffee table and join Clay on the couch, sitting beside him. I wrap my arm around him, pulling him close, while he buries his face in my shoulder. We sit there, embraced in each other's warmth.

"I'm here for you, okay?" I gently reassure him, my voice filled with understanding. He nods, his tears still flowing. "We're going to get through this together," I assure him, my words carrying a sense of determination and support. He nods once more.

We stay like that until he stops crying, and I wonder if something happened between him and George. George is one of his favorite people, so if something else was bothering him, he would probably be with George.

My heart hurts at the thought of Clay and George breaking up. They were such a wonderful couple, always able to resolve any issues that came their way. But based on Clay's reaction, it seems like they couldn't work things out this time.

I decide not to pressure Clay about the situation. I know that when he's ready, he will open up and tell me.

"Do I make you something to eat?" I ask him and he shakes his head. I know it's bad when he doesn't want to eat.

"Let's go upstairs, huh?" I recommend, knowing that his bed is what makes him feel better.

He nods and sniffs, so I help him to bed. He lies down and I close the blinds, ensuring that the morning light doesn't disturb his rest. I gently tuck him in, making sure he's comfortable.

"Do you want to be alone?"

He shakes his head, overwhelmed with emotions, tears stream down his face. I nod and sit down next to him on the bed. He rests his head on my lap, seeking comfort, and I gently rub his back in a soothing motion.

He eventually calms down, the weight of his emotions fading, and drifts off to sleep. I continue to sit beside him, watching over him

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