#Chapter59 Try me

violet Theodore’s confession left me stunned. The weight of his words settled between us. I stared at him, waiting for the punchline or some indication he was joking, but none came. The guilt punched the breath out of me. “Oh, Goddess, Theo', I…" He shook his head. "Don't apologize." Yet, the pain in his expression was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I could barely breathe around it, imagining him growing up with this whole other part of himself he didn't understand and couldn't freely learn about in the country. He fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable with the silence. He cleared his throat. "But please, go on. I love… I love the way you sound so excited about it all." His eyes darted away from mine as if searching for the right words. "I, uhm,… You should---" He huffed and walked towards me. "We'll pick up the tour of the garden later, hm? Let's just… take a seat. I'm sure you could use a break after all that walking. You're still recovering after all." Before I cou