The night air was cool as Olivia stepped out of the hospital, Peter close behind her. The streetlights cast long shadows on the pavement, but she barely noticed. Her mind replayed every word, every tear, every confession from earlier.
Peter opened the car door for her. "Are you sure you want to go now?" he asked gently.
"I can't go home yet," Olivia admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "Not with everything…" Her gaze fell to the empty street. "…still spinning in my head."
Peter nodded, understanding her silence. "Then come with me. My place isn't far."
She climbed into the passenger seat, and he started the car. The ride was quiet, filled only with the soft hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of her shifting in the seat. She hugged the trophy to her chest, like a fragile shield against the world.
When they arrived at Peter's house, the warmth of his home was immediate. His mother, a kind-eyed woman with a gentle smile, welcomed Olivia at the door. "Peter told me you needed a place to rest," she said softly, guiding Olivia inside. "You're safe here."
Olivia sank onto the couch, feeling the tension in her body begin to unravel. Peter sat beside her, giving her the space she needed but offering quiet reassurance with his presence.
"Thank you," Olivia said, looking up at Peter's mother. "I… I didn't know where else to go."
"You're always welcome," she replied, pouring a glass of water for Olivia. "Life doesn't always go as planned, but you're not alone. Never forget that."
Olivia took a slow sip, letting the warmth settle inside her. She glanced at Peter, who smiled faintly, a mixture of concern and admiration in his eyes. "I wish I could fix everything," he said quietly.
"You already did," Olivia replied softly. "You brought me here. You… you helped me not feel completely lost."
Peter shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "It's easy when I have someone worth caring about."
For the first time in what felt like weeks, Olivia allowed herself a small smile. She leaned back, closing her eyes, and let the comfort of the home and the quiet kindness of Peter's mother wash over her.
Later, as they settled in, Peter's mother spoke gently. "Olivia, life is complicated. Sometimes the people we love make choices that hurt us, even when they don't mean to. Forgiveness doesn't come overnight, but it's the first step toward healing."
Olivia nodded, tears threatening to fall again. "I know. I just… I don't want to lose my family."
"You won't," Peter said firmly. "Your family is still your family. And you've got people who care about you, right here and now."
The night stretched quietly. Olivia and Peter talked in whispers, sharing little stories and laughter that seemed impossible a few hours ago. For the first time, Olivia felt a spark of hope.
Tomorrow would bring its challenges, she knew. But tonight, she had shelter. Tonight, she had solace. And for the first time in a long while, Olivia felt that maybe, just maybe, love could wait—and wait patiently for hearts to heal.