A/N: As of 03/14/2016, this was edited from 2nd POV to 3rd POV due to the rule banning 2nd POV interactive stories.
Hands
The memory of how his hand felt against hers will forever be engraved in her mind. She remembers how rough and calloused they felt against her own. But the memory of how he held her hands was anything but that. They were gentle and careful, as if he was handling a fragile, precious treasure.
She remembers how every so often, they would squeeze her hands, as if to confirm that she was still there, and she would return the act so that it eased his mind, to reassure that she would never leave his side.
The sand beneath her bare feet feels warm with the ocean waves tickling them as they wash ashore.
The sun is about to set, filling the sky with different shades of reds and oranges. For a moment, she stops on her tracks and the man with her does, too, the moment he realizes that she has stopped on her leisure walk.
He looks at her with silent curiosity, wondering what seems to be the matter. The sight almost sends her to a teary stupor but happy that even after all these years of tears and pain, he still looks at her that way — full of warm, love, and gentleness.
She loves him, so, so much that she is willing to give up everything for him. But she is still torn in-between, confused.
"What's wrong?" He asks with worry at the sight of the gleam of unshed tears in her eyes. His other hand holds her cheek and she leans in on his touch, closing her eyes momentarily as she relishes on his warmth but it feels different, so much more different.
She hears him whispering her name, concern laced with his gentle voice.
When she opens her eyes once again, she does not see Ruka. Not his bleached blond hair nor his confident but sweet smile. What she sees in front of her is the face of her husband, the one she has chosen instead of her first love.
"Nothing," she answers softly as she sends him a smile. She squeezes her fingers against his hand that was on her cheek.
A tear finally slips out, landing on the primrose charm ring necklace she has around her neck.
"Nothing."