Just A Notion

Chapter 20: Uncertain Returns

Monday, 16th August

The flight back to Stockholm was quiet, the hum of the airplane filling the silence between Agnetha and Frida. They sat side by side, their fingers intertwined beneath a shared blanket, seeking comfort in the warmth of each other's touch.

Agnetha glanced at Frida, whose face was turned toward the window, eyes fixed on the gray clouds outside. The strong, confident woman she knew looked fragile now, as though she might shatter with the wrong word.

"Are you okay?" Agnetha asked softly, squeezing her hand. Frida turned slightly, offering a small, sad smile. "I don't know," she admitted honestly. "I'm afraid of what happens next."

Agnetha nodded, resting her head on Frida's shoulder. "Me too. But we'll face it together. Whatever comes, I'm not leaving you."

Frida exhaled shakily, closing her eyes as she leaned into Agnetha's touch. "I'm holding on to that," she whispered.

The landing in Stockholm was uneventful, but the weight of what awaited them felt heavier with every step. The city was cloaked in the early evening darkness, streetlights casting orange halos on the pavement as they climbed into a taxi. Neither of them spoke as the car made its way toward Frida's apartment.

Once inside, Frida locked the door behind them and exhaled deeply, leaning against the frame as if her entire body had given up holding itself together.

"It's strange to be back," she murmured, looking around her apartment. Everything was exactly as she'd left it-a reminder of the life she had tried to leave behind.

Agnetha set her bag down gently and moved toward Frida. "It's home," she said softly. "This is where you belong. Don't believe that you have to run away ever again, to make things better. Trust me it won't. I'll protect you with my life."

Frida looked at her, tears welling in her eyes again. The realization of what Agnetha had don't for her hit her all of the sudden. She came flying across the globe just to get her back. Who else can say that someone cares as much for one as Agnetha cares for Frida. "You came for me," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I'll always come for you," Agnetha replied, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around Frida's waist.

They stood like that for a long moment, holding each other in the quiet darkness of the apartment, as if the world outside didn't exist. When they finally pulled away, Frida wiped her cheeks and let out a shaky laugh.

"I suppose we should try to sleep."
Agnetha nodded. "Come on."

The two women settled into Frida's bed, lying close under the covers. Frida's back rested against Agnetha's chest, and Agnetha held her gently, her chin resting against the top of Frida's head.

"Everything will be okay," Agnetha whispered into the quiet, even as uncertainty sat heavy in her own heart.

Frida didn't answer, but her breathing softened, and for the first time in days, they both allowed themselves to rest.

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Tuesday, 17th August
The next morning in Frida's apartment, the sunlight streamed through the windows, filtering over the bed where Frida and Agnetha lay. Frida stirred first, her eyes fluttering open.