Abigail was sitting at her desk later that day and decided to write to Elizabeth. Just as she picked up her pencil, the phone started to ring. She got up and answered.
"Abigail?"
"Elizabeth! It's like you read my mind. I was just getting ready to write to you."
"I'm sorry I haven't been in touch."
"No, it's my fault. I haven't been my best self more recently. My mom passed away a few weeks ago."
"I'm so sorry, Abigail. I can't imagine how hard this has been on you."
"Yes, it has, but I'm doing a little better. Taking it a day at a time."
"So, I hear you had a visitor."
"That I did. He's the reason I've found the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Which is really ironic considering how his visit ended."
"What happened?"
"Oh, Elizabeth, I messed things up big time."
"Tell me," Elizabeth urged gently.
Abigail took a deep breath. "Henry came because Cody called him. He was worried about me and thought Henry could help. But when Henry got here and tried to talk to me, I pushed him away. I was so angry and hurt that I accused him of thinking I couldn't take care of myself or Cody."
"Oh, Abigail," Elizabeth said softly. "I'm sure he didn't mean it that way."
"I know that now," Abigail sighed. "But in the moment, I couldn't see it. I told him to leave, and he did. Before he left, he told me he loved me again and I said nothing. I just let him leave. I made such a big mistake, Elizabeth."
"Wait...again?"
"He told me he loved me in the last letter he wrote me before his visit. When he started challenging me, I questioned if he loved me, but now I see. He did what he did purely out of his love for me. I think I really lost him this time. Elizabeth, I don't know what to do."
"Abigail, I don't think you've lost him. Henry cares about you deeply. He came all that way because he loves you and wants to help. People who care that much don't just walk away forever."
"But I hurt him, Elizabeth," Abigail replied, her voice breaking. "He was trying to help, and I pushed him away. I told him I didn't need his help and that we didn't need him. That's not true at all. I love him, Elizabeth," she said, admitting her feelings for the first time.
"Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they're hurting," Elizabeth said gently. "But it's not too late to make things right. If you truly love Henry, you need to show him that. Go to him, talk to him, and let him know how you feel."
Abigail took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "You think he would forgive me?"
"I believe he would," Elizabeth answered confidently. "But you have to take that step. You have to show him that this time you're ready to fight for love."
"That is exactly what I'm gonna do Elizabeth."
Abigail hung up and yelled up the stairs, "Cody, pack your bags. We're going back home."