Whispers from the Deep

Part 3

No matter how still the night or how soft the mattress, sleep evaded me.

I tossed and turned in the small hotel bed beside Thomas. The room we had rented was perfectly adequate—there was nothing wrong with the mattress, the air conditioning, or the view outside the window on that June night. Yet, despite all that, my mind refused to settle. It kept racing and wouldn't allow me to fall asleep.

Thomas had always been known for his thoughtful approach to everything, especially in decision-making. He took his time, weighed the pros and cons, and considered every angle. I suppose that was what had made him so good at his job, back when he worked at a bank in Basel. He joined me in retirement shortly after my accident, but some habits had clearly stuck. Tonight, though, I wished he could make decisions just a little bit quicker.

I was far too impatient to know where we stood. I wanted answers now, but knew better than to pressure him into making a hasty decision. It wasn't how we operated—our marriage had always thrived on patience, on giving each other the space to think things through. And I didn't expect that to change now.

"Goodness, Aubrey, could you relax?" Thomas muttered, turning towards me from his side of the bed. I let out a small, frustrated sigh. It was easier said than done.

"It's two in the morning."

I turned onto my side, facing him, my mind still swirling with thoughts. I studied his face in the dim light, trying to read his expression, but I couldn't quite figure out what he was thinking. Had he already decided, or was he still mulling it over?

"I'm just thinking about the boat," I said. "We've been through a lot these past few years. And I think it could be something good for both of us." I paused, remembering how quickly our lives had shifted. Retirement had been on the horizon, but not this soon. I was fortunate to have walked away from it alive, but it had left its mark, physically and mentally. It reminded me that life could change in an instant and pushed me to embrace every opportunity. This boat felt like one of those things that had come to us for a reason. I just needed Thomas to see it, too.

I nodded, understanding his perspective. He wanted to ensure we weren't rushing into this, and I respected that. A part of me just hoped he would feel the same pull I did—that he would see how perfect this could be for us.

I reached out, my fingers gently tracing the familiar contours of his cheek. As much as my impatience was gnawing at me tonight, I wouldn't change that about him for the world.

A small smile tugged at my lips—the kind that spoke louder than any words ever could. It was the same smile I had offered him countless times over the years, conveying my understanding and trust, assuring him that, no matter what, we would sort things out together.

We lingered in that moment a bit longer before he shook his head. "Now, for the love of God, are you going to try to get some rest?" he teased. "We need to be up early for breakfast."

"Blimey, I didn't anticipate being forced to get up early during my retirement." I rolled my eyes, and Thomas laughed at my words.

"Get some sleep, Aubrey. I mean it."

I chuckled, unable to help myself. "I'll try," I said, "but I can't make any promises."

He rolled his eyes, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. That was all the answer I needed. He knew me too well, and I knew him. And I could tell his gaze lingered just a little too long, his expression softened in that tell-tale way. He had already decided—he wasn't ready to say it aloud yet.

By this time tomorrow, I was sure of it—we'd be boat owners. I had no doubt that, despite his careful nature, Thomas was just as excited as I was.