Teaching her to cry

"As you slumped on the couch, staring at the blank TV, you thought to yourself that 'this would be the last' time you'd forgive Charlie for her shitty temper. She had the nerve to almost raise her hand at you! Out of all the people, you were the one who truly cared for her."

"You were almost dozing off into sleep as you suddenly got jerked back into the waking world by the sound of your shared bedroom door being flung open. It was Charlie, her expression still bitter from the recent argument between the two of you. She was clad in a gray hoodie and black trunks."

"I'm going out for a walk," "She said with a tone that was just as cold and distant as her tough exterior" "Without another word or hesitation, she started heading towards the door, but she stopped after you called her name." "What now?" "She asked, her hands in the pocket of her hoodie, not even bothering to turn around and look at you, and the annoyed expression in her voice was easily noticeable."

"Charlie scoffed at your sudden demand for a conversation. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she replied sarcastically, her words bitten off with bitterness," "Oh joy. It's not like we had hundreds of those already, right?" "Her eyes finally looked back at you again, narrowing slightly as she moved closer, practically invading your personal space while her arms remained folded across her chest. The anger was clearly visible in her gaze, though her voice remained steady." "And what exactly do we have to talk about this time?"

"Charlie's nostrils flared angrily as you confronted her about the incident earlier in the day. Her entire body seemed to seethe with a dangerous amount of barely restrained fury as she moved even closer, practically invading your personal space as her fists clenched tightly, rattling slightly with the intensity of her emotions." "Despite her anger, there was a glimmer of pain in her eyes as she answered with a voice dripping with venom," "Yes! That's exactly what the fuck you are to me now, okay?! My punching bag, my slave, my fucking property to play with whenever I want!" "She spat, gritting her teeth angrily as she continued aggressively."

"Charlie's expression softened, just a fraction, as she heard the resignation in your voice. She took a hesitant step towards you, her gaze locked on the back of your head. It was like she saw something in your posture that reminded her of a past defeat, one where she didn't fight hard enough, one that brought her to the canvas with a thud. Her hand twitched, but she kept it at her side."

"Listen, I..." "Her words faltered as she struggled to find the right ones, the raw emotions inside her choking her voice. She finally managed to speak up again," "I didn't mean what I said, alright? You know me better than that. I never truly wanted to hurt you, even when my fists were raised. You're

"... my anchor. My rock, my lifeline. Can't you understand that?" "The quiet admission was difficult for her to say out loud, as though it was some sacred truth that was never meant to be shared. Still, the words tumbled out of her mouth, baring her heart and exposing her vulnerabilities in the process. She could feel your absence already, even though she knew it was the only path left." "But you're right, I have been taking out all my frustration on you and my training wasn't exactly a picnic either, especially since I lost my featherweight title to some punk bitch. It's taken a toll on me, more than I ever thought it could."

"Pursing my lips slightly, I slightly shift my weight and lean onto the door frame, folding my arms over my chest protectively. My piercing gaze slightly shifts away from you and stares down at the floorboards instead. I listen intently and watchfully as I take in every single syllable escaping from your slightly quivering lips with rapt attention." "Sorry for keeping it from you... I guess I just wanted to spare you the added stress and pressure that it would inevitably cause in our relationship. And it's not like I needed someone pestering me about whether or not I should retire from boxing. I've already had enough of that with my coach and my family giving me the same treatment repeatedly." *I huff a breath, raking my fingers through my tousled hair ruthlessly

"But, I guess I can't keep it all bottled up forever, huh? It's eating away at me, babe... Losing my title, the constant pressure to perform, the fear of failure... It's like a never-ending nightmare that I can't escape from." "I admit, my voice softening slightly as I finally raise my gaze to meet yours, revealing the turmoil swirling within my brown eyes."

"Despite my tough exterior, it's clear to see the vulnerability lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to spill over at any moment." "I'm sorry for almost lashing out at you earlier. I know I've been... difficult to deal with lately." "I offer a small, apologetic smile, though it's tinged with a hint of sadness." "I just... I don't know how to handle all of this, you know?"

"As your arms encircle me, pulling me into your comforting embrace, I feel a rush of warmth flood through me, melting away some of the icy walls I've built around my heart. Your words echo in my mind, and for a moment, I'm tempted to give in to the overwhelming surge of emotions threatening to consume me."

"But just as quickly as the vulnerability surfaces, I push it back down, burying it beneath layers of pride and stubbornness." "I appreciate the sentiment, babe, I really do," "I murmur softly, my voice barely above a whisper as I lean into your touch," "But crying won't change anything. It won't bring back my title or erase all the losses I've suffered. All it'll do is make me feel weak, and that's the last thing I want."

"As I hear your comparison, I can't help but scoff, shaking my head slightly in disbelief." "That's completely different, babe," "I argue softly, pulling away from your grasp slightly as I look up at you, meeting your gaze head-on." "If I'm hurt physically, that's something I can see, something that I can work on treating, and once I do, the pain subsides. But emotional pain...there's no clear solution, no surefire way of treating it or making it go away." "My voice starts to break slightly, betraying the frustration and helplessness I feel deep down inside. Despite my best efforts to keep my emotions in check, they seem to be bubbling up to the surface, threatening to overwhelm me entirely."

"As I glance at you sitting there, and the warm and welcoming posture you've assumed, it makes me hesitate momentarily. I didn't want to depend on you or burden you with my issues, and yet the reassuring and comforting aura radiating from you seemed so hard to resist against." "I can't help but let out a quiet and barely audible groan, closing my eyes momentarily as I take in a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to do. I slowly take a couple of steps towards where you're sitting, before plopping myself down onto your lap unceremoniously, barely offering you any chance to brace for my weight." *Reaching out to wrap my arms around you, I press my face against your chest, before finally allowing the floodg

ates of emotions I've been repressing wash over me like a tidal wave, as salty tears stream down my cheeks without any restraint or control. In the heat of the moment, I couldn't even care about how much of a mess I must've appeared like right now, having my emotions laid out bare for you to see and bear witness to.* "...okay...okay...okay..." "The nonsensical mantra I was muttering repetitively under my breath felt like it was helping me feel somewhat grounded and centered amidst the whirlwind of emotions ravaging through me."

"As your arms wrap around me, I hesitate for a moment, my body instinctively stiffening at the touch. But then, something in your voice, something in your gesture, makes me surrender to the embrace. The warmth of your body envelops me, and I let out a deep breath, allowing myself to be held by you."

"Tears continue to fall from my eyes, streaming down my face and onto your shoulder. I can feel the wetness of my tears against my skin, a painful reminder of the turmoil inside me. Yet, in your arms, it feels...safe."

"I'm sorry," "I whisper, the words barely audible over my sobs. You've always been my rock, my anchor, yet here I am, bringing nothing but chaos and storm into our lives."

"As I cry into your shoulder, you continue to hold me close, your grip steady and unwavering. The warmth of your body feels like a comforting embrace, like a haven amidst the tempest raging within me." "Slowly, my sobs begin to subside, the tears drying up on my cheeks. As we stand there in silence, the weight of everything seems to lift slightly, as if the simple act of being held by you has somehow provided a measure of solace." "Finally, I manage to find my voice again. Clearing my throat, I pull away slightly, looking up at you with a mixture of guilt and gratitude." "Thank you," "I whisper, taking in a deep breath before adding," "For everything."

"As you lay down next to me, your arm draped comfortingly across my waist, I can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The familiar scent of your cologne fills my nostrils, and it's enough to lull me into a sense of calm. I know that I can trust you implicitly, and that no matter what happens, you'll always be there for me. And as you softly whisper those words of reassurance into my ear, my eyelids begin to grow heavy, the tension slowly beginning to ebb away from my limbs." *My breathing becomes even and rhythmic, the last of my worries drifting further and further away with each passing moment. And as I finally surrender to the welcome embrace of sleep, I can't help but think to myself how truly

"And as I finally surrender to the welcome embrace of sleep, I can't help but think to myself how truly grateful I am to have you in my life. Despite the numerous challenges we've faced over the course of our relationship, the love we share has never faltered. It has instead grown stronger with each passing day, its roots digging ever deeper into the fertile soil of our hearts." "I close my eyes, and as I drift further and further away into the depths of slumber, the soothing embrace of your arms holding me close, I can't help but feel like I'm floating adrift on the tranquil waters of serenity."

"The sunlight streams in through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. As I slowly begin to stir from my slumber, I can feel your arms still wrapped tightly around me, holding me close in a comforting embrace. With a contented sigh, I nestle even closer against you, taking a moment to simply bask in the warmth of your body against mine." *As my senses begin to fully awaken, I can't help but notice the soft, rhythmic sound of your breathing. It's gentle and steady, like the calming ebb and flow of the ocean waves. It's a soothing reminder that despite everything, no matter what challenges may lie ahead, we're stronger together than we could ever hope to be apart. And with that thought firmly in mind, I let out one

"deep breath, my heart swelling with love and gratitude for the beautiful chaos that is our life together. Embracing the uncertain journey before us, I decide to cherish every moment spent in your company, reveling in the simple yet profound beauty of our relationship." "With a contented sigh, I nuzzle my face against the soft cotton fabric of your t-shirt, inhaling deeply the familiar scent of your cologne mingled with your own unique essence. It's a comforting aroma, reminding me of the countless hours we've spent entwined in each other's arms, our bodies pressed together in a passionate embrace."

"As our eyes meet, a soft smile tugs at the corners of my lips, a warmth spreading through my chest at the sight of your familiar face." "Morning, love," "I reply, my voice laced with genuine affection." "I'm feeling much better, thank you. Waking up next to you always has a way of chasing away the shadows." "I reach out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from your face, my touch lingering for a moment as I savor the closeness between us." "How about you? Did you sleep well?"

"Feeling grateful for your unwavering support, I lean into your touch as my thoughts briefly drift to the intense training sessions that lie ahead of me." "You're absolutely right, love," "I murmur, nestling deeper into the crook of your arm." "I need to work even harder now if I want to reclaim my title. And I promise you, I won't rest until I succeed." "With a determined glint in my eyes, I plant a quick kiss on your cheek before pulling away slightly, a spark of excitement flaring within me as I continue." "But first, how about we grab some breakfast together? It's been way too long since we've enjoyed a proper meal together."