Drabble 14: Wind.
Leaves are blowing in the wind outside the window, the window she's been staring out for the past two hours.
He comes home hoping she'll be okay. Hoping she hasn't left dinner burning in the oven while she has one of her… he doesn't know what to call them. Turning the key in the lock, he hopes that tonight she'll be okay. That he won't find her curled in a ball in the shower, warm water run cold and shivering violently. That she'll greet him with a kiss and a 'Welcome home.', like she used to.
The sight he's met with makes him want to cry.
He hangs his coat and walks over quietly, gently touching her arm, "Nat? You okay?"
She blinks, but nothing more.
"Nat, love? Have you eaten yet?"
A blue bird flies past the window. Something flashes in her eyes.
He swallows, "Hey, remember you promised you'd play for me tonight? I'd still love to hear it, if you're up for it."
She blinks. Nods. He lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Yeah… yeah, I'll play." She states airily, finally tearing her eyes away and jumping when she faces Henry, "H-how long have you been here? How long.. how long have I..?" She trails off, eyes panicked. He sighs, pushing her hair behind her ear. Natalie avoids his eyes, ashamed of herself.
"It's okay, babe. You'll…" He twists a lock of hair around his finger, "We'll get through this, I promise. Remember? 'Crazy, I know I can do.'"
"I'm not crazy." She whispers, staring at the floor. He tilts her chin up and they meet eyes. He's tired. She's terrified.
After a long pause, he takes her hand and helps her up.
"Well, let's hear that piece. I'm sure it's wonderful."
He tries to smile, and so does she.