"Lawrence?"
Stepping carefully over the grocery bags in the front hallway, Adam made his way towards the living room, Lawrence's usual locale. "You there?"
No response.
It seemed like it had been only yesterday that Lawrence had left Alison and Diana- a feeling that both men had dealt with since the incident. Lawrence couldn't handle being around people, let alone his family, lest they be attacked because of him again. And not to his surprise did Alison agree and help him with the packing that very night. The night that they had both believed to be their last.
Adam knew how hard this had been on him, what with having to amputate his own foot, but he couldn't help but wish that his life was that simple. Coming to terms with the fact that he had opened up to Lawrence more than anyone in his life had caught him unaware. The task of admitting to himself that he needed someone to be secure was moderately hard.
But the fact that the person was Lawrence had been unthinkable.
"Where are you?" He called out. As an afterthought, he repeated it again when he saw the bedroom door open and thought of him sleeping on the bed.
Their bed. The place where they had first come to terms with each other, understood each other…and slept together for the first time.
The nights after that had become increasingly less awkward, as they had developed an unspoken ritual that rarely varied from week to week. Adam would come home from work to find Lawrence either lounging, or on the computer finishing up the last of his work. Being on crutches, and not wishing to join the outside world just yet, Lawrence had started to work at home to make ends meet and provide his half of the rent. They would have dinner (usually take-out), and afterwards would be too tired to talk or act on anything.
Until they were in bed, at least; free to digest and test their energy levels.
Feeling dazed, Adam entered the bedroom, and caught a glimpse of white paper sticking out from behind a photo frame. Curiosity of course drove him to remove it and read. He smiled faintly.
The note was scribbled in Lawrence's signature scrawl.
'Adam- Needed to clear my mind, so I took a walk…'
Frowning at the strange choice of activity, Adam paused. Ever since his partner had gotten crutches, he had refused to leave the house unless it was absolutely necessary. This left him with a feeling of dread. Nevertheless, Adam read on; his hand shaking as he continued.
'I came back and decided that maybe life isn't as clear after all.
-L.'
The doors to the balcony were open, letting a soft summer breeze caress Adam's cheek and ripple the curtains. For a moment, time stood still as he stared at the note in his hands.
And immediately, he knew.
Fin
Rave: Yeah, I wrote the ending in a dark mood, but I think it's fine. R&R!