I heard her.
Perhaps louder, clearer, than she could have ever expected.
The way she said it, why she said it, it was like a clearing breeze, a heavy gust sweeping through the cluttered mess in my head, and suddenly it was like I could really think again…
And I thought of myself as even more of a complete bumbling fool for making her have to say it.
Because, really, just what was that request she made? To love her like… someone else? That I should be treating her like someone else… as opposed to… what exactly?
Did she think Ash was a frame of standard? That, so long as I wasn't treating her the same way, then it only stands to reason that I didn't care for her as much… always second best…
Was that how I made her feel? made her think? If that's the case, then I really am a complete, bumbling fool…
Yeah, I missed yesterday's publishing window. I stared at this chapter right as I missed the publishing time and said 'nah, not happy with this' and deleted the whole thing.
So yeah, here's the redraft. I think it's better, I hope. Hope you enjoy!