A Sanctuary!

He came to my workplace to meet me, carrying burgers for me in a paper bag. As he approached, I stepped forward to hug him over the shoulder. Sensing the distress on my face, he wrapped me in his arms, tightening his grip. 

Concern was evident on his face as he whispered, "What happened? Are you okay?" in a worried tone. 

I closed my eyes, feeling his tight embrace. My mind relaxed, my anxiety dissipated, and I found calm and peace. Time seemed to stand still as I held onto him for nearly 6 - 7 minutes. He kept his grip firm, allowing me to relax at my own pace. 

As I finally pulled back, he held me by the arms, looked at me with concerned eyes, and said, "Better now?" 

I blinked and nodded. 

He handed me the burgers and said, "Let's grab a spot and talk about it?" His voice was soft, his eyes still filled with concern. 

I nodded silently, feeling a sense of numbness wash over me. 

He kissed my forehead, took my hand in his, and guided me to the car. And the car stopped near the lake's winding track.

        We sat in comfortable silence for a moment on the weathered wooden bench near the serene lake, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore creating a soothing melody. 

"Want to talk about it?" he asked, his eyes showing concern as he turned to me, his voice low and gentle.

I took a deep breath, feeling the cool lake air fill my lungs, and said, "I don't want to work!" 

His eyes locked onto mine, filled with understanding and empathy. "What happened?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned, as he reached out and wrapped his fingers around mine.

I felt a surge of comfort from his touch, and the tension in my body began to ease. 

"I'm not happy here! This job is giving me stress. It's increasing my anxiety," I said, my  words laced with frustration.

 The sound of birds chirping in the distance seemed to fade into the background as I spoke.

He squeezed my hand reassuringly. 

"Tell me the reason, who's causing you problems, so I can make it better for you?" he asked, knowing well that I had joined this profession because I had dreamed of it since college.

I shook my head, feeling the softness of my hair brush against my shoulders. "No, not at all. Don't get involved in this. I just... I just want to quit this job. I'm fed up with it," I said, my voice cracking slightly.

"Okay, then quit. If it costs your peace, then quit," he said, his words a gentle breeze on a summer day. I looked up at him, meeting his gaze.

"Like I mean... certainly, you don't need to earn. I've got us. I've got you. There's no need for you to be unhappy," he added, his voice filled with conviction.

I felt a pang of uncertainty. "But then what? What do I do?" I asked, my eyes searching his face.

"Whatever you want. My cards are already with you. You already have my support. Enjoy your life," he replied, his smile warm and encouraging. 

I nodded slowly.

"Okay, but I need something to keep me busy. I can't stay at home," I said, my mind already racing with possibilities. 

"I'll find something, maybe another job or something of my own," I added.

"Okay, that's fine too. If it makes you happy, go for it," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. 

"Decide and tell me. Whatever you like, I'll arrange everything for you." As he spoke, he gently stroked my hand.

I felt a sense of gratitude and love for this man, who had always been my rock. I knew that with him by my side, I could face anything.