Beyond the Borders

ch.24 - mourning hope

♥

Wave's POV:

I slowly awakened, the soft light filtering through my bedroom window dancing across the walls in gentle patterns.

The remnants of a long night clung to me like a thick fog, tugging at my eyelids as if they were weighted down with a sorrow I couldn't quite shake.

I sat up gingerly, the sheets rustling around me, and the room felt eerily quiet except for the soft sound of my heart beating in my chest.

As I adjusted my eyes, I caught sight of Paris curled up snugly at the foot of my bed. That little ball of fur was utterly oblivious to the world outside and the turmoil that occupied my heart.

I wished I could be like him, just buried in dreams without a care. But the reality of the past few days hit me like a wave crashing against jagged rocks, reminding me of the void that echoed through our home since my father's passing.

With a slight shake of my head, I reached for my phone, which buzzed insistently beside me. The screen lit up with an avalanche of messages, each a reminder of the support I had—and still needed—after the incident.

My heart sank as I saw the familiar names flash across the screen. Marinette and Alya had sent their condolences, sweet messages filled with encouragement and love, but it was Adrien's texts that caught my eye, tugging at something deep within my soul.

Adrien:

Hey Wave, I heard the news... I'm so sorry about your dad.

I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now. Just know I'm here for you, okay?

You can always talk to me if you need someone.

Each word felt like a comforting balm on my aching heart. I allowed myself a small, bittersweet smile as I read on.

If you're up for it, I'd love to hang out later and maybe get some flowers or gifts for your dad's tomb.

I think it's important we honor him and everything he meant to you and your family.

His kindness was overwhelming. I felt something warm blossom in my chest at Adrien's offer to help me heal, to be there for me in such a genuine way.

It was hard to believe that someone as wonderful as him wanted to support me in my darkest hour. A soft blush crept onto my cheeks, surprising me, and my lips curled into a delicate smile. A fleeting moment of joy amidst the sadness.

But before I could fully bask in the warmth of his message, the door creaked open, cutting through my thoughts.

My mother stepped in, her usually bright eyes shadowed by fatigue, mirroring my own. "Wave," she murmured softly, "I have a meeting to attend. I'll be back in the evening, alright?"

I nodded, understanding the weight of the world that rested on her shoulders. I could see the pain etched onto her features, the way her lips pressed together tightly as she fought through her own grief.

She approached me, her warmth enveloping me as she pressed her lips gently against my forehead—a bittersweet gesture that held more meaning than words could express.

"Stay strong, okay? We can't let your father's passing take advantage of our wellbeing. He wouldn't want that for us."

I nodded again, though my heart felt too heavy to carry. And then, the tears came, spilling over without warning.

My mother held me tightly as I let out muffled sobs, the pain of not being able to say goodbye overwhelming me. "I didn't... I didn't even get to tell him how much I loved him," I managed to choke out between breaths.

"I know, mi corazón. I know," she replied softly, her voice steady yet full of sorrow. "It's not your fault. You loved him, and he knew that." Her words were meant to soothe, and for a moment, they did.

She kissed my forehead again, a tender reassurance that I desperately needed. "Be brave, Wave. You've got this."

It felt like an eternity before my tears finally subsided and my mother stepped back, her expression a mixture of love and concern.

She glanced back at me one last time before leaving, reminding me once again to stay strong.

As her footsteps faded down the hall, I turned back to my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I typed out a response to Adrien.

Thank you, Adrien. I would love to hang out.
Does 6pm work?

I hit send, my heart racing as I waited for his reply, relief bubbling through me as soon as the notification chimed.

I'm at a photo shoot right now, but of course! I promise to pick you up at 6. I hope you feel better soon. ❤️

Slightly buoyed, I texted back a thumbs up, followed by a smiley face with a heart emoji. For the first time that day, I felt a flicker of hope amidst the clouds of grief. Maybe just maybe tonight could bring a little light into my life, even in the shadow of loss.

And Paris stirred slightly at the foot of the bed, soft and purring, as if to say everything would be alright.

(Hey, sorry for not updating you all!! It's been quite busy for me and I've honestly had a lot on my plate so I deeply apologize for the lack of updates. I promise I'm willing to try my best to finish this story, but it will take quite a while knowing that I also have school to focus on as well. I hope you all enjoy reading this!)