I reach for his hand briefly. “I don’t know if I can forgive you yet. Maybe someday. And I don’t think you’re a bad person, Sean. I just believe there are some things inside you that need healing, and that’s okay. There’s no shame in admitting you’re struggling, but instead of facing what was broken inside you, you pushed me away. I understand now, but it still hurts. It didn’t have to be this hard. That’s the part I’ll never quite get. You let it all fall apart for no real reason. It wasn’t the world against you, it was you against yourself. And until you face that, you’ll never get better. Not really. But I hope you do. I really do.” I watch the tears fall from his brown eyes. “I’m not coming back again Sean. I can’t be the person who helps you fix this. I have to move on.”
He nods. “I know. I don’t want to drag you back into this. I just… thank you for coming.”
We sit there a few more seconds. Quiet. Breathing.
Then I stand. “Goodbye, Sean.”
He smiles faintly, eyes glossy and tears still wet on his cheeks. “Goodbye, Camille.”
I walk out of the hospital, letting the door close behind me. The light hits my face as I step into the car park, back to reality. I breathe deeply—like it’s the first breath I’ve taken all day.
This is it.
I got my closure.
Now it’s time to live.
The sunlight streams in through the car window, soft and golden, as I drive home from the hospital. My chest feels impossibly, even lighter again. Like I finally set down that weight I didn’t know I was still carrying.
Sean looked me in the eye and apologized. It didn’t erase everything, but it gave me peace. That’s all I ever wanted. Not a redo, not regret. Just peace.
I pull into the driveway, still feeling that strange mix of sadness and calm. Maybe that’s what healing feels like.
When I get home, I crank up a chill pop playlist, tie my hair up, and dive straight into building my future. I sit down at the kitchen table, with Gizmo curled up on my lap. I start sketching out the logo—soft lined waves, filled with neutral tones. I design graphics for Instagram and Facebook, pick the fonts, the vibe. Cozy, coastal and modern.
By sunset, I’m staring at a glowing screen, heart pounding as I post:Waves by the Sea—Opening Friday 21st of March! Appointments with Camille—open now.
I close the app, terrified.
Then it starts.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
Within hours, I’m booked solid. Messages flood in from old clients, excited, cheering, asking if I’m really back. I reply to every single one. The next couple of weeks is full. My heart is even fuller.
Just wait ‘til I announce Sarah’s coming with me. She’ll be booked out before she even walks in the door.
And as if on cue, the front door opens.
Lucas walks in. He’s sweaty and smiling, tired and perfect.
58
Claiming you
When I walk through the front door, the first thing I see is Camille sitting down at the kitchen, her hair in a messy bun, soft music playing through the speakers as she leans over the counter, focused on her laptop. She’s glowing. Like the weight of the world finally let go of her shoulders.
“Hey, baby.” I pause when I see her new logo is up on the screen. Sketches surround her. I’m so in awe of her. She’s officially announced it to the world.
“You look like you just started a revolution.”
She grins. “I did. And it’s going to be beautiful.”
Dropping my tool bag at the door and coming close to her. “I’m so damn proud of you.”
She turns around, smile wide, eyes sparkling. “It’s really happening.My whole week’s booked already, Lucas.”
I don’t say anything else. I just walk right up to her and pull her in, kissing her like I’ve been waiting all day to. Because I have. Because watching her become everything she’s meant to be is the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen.
