[4]: The Path (1)

Chapter 4: The Path (1)

'Even though a human can suppress their emotions, they will only be better if they let it all out.'

Marco pondered about what the girl might be going through to be at that state. He also wondered about how long she is going to cry, because he was not used or frankly inexperienced with comforting other people.

He couldn't really stand seeing someone crying in front of him, it gives an unpleasant feeling, it's uncomfortable, and makes it harder for him to breathe.

The girl started sobbing, seemingly feeble and her breathing became heavy. Her eyes were like waterfalls that her tears seem to be endlessly flowing, for a lifetime until it's finally all dried up. She looks so fragile in her current state.

Marco heaved a weighty sigh, in the end, he was unable to hold back. If it was his conscience or self-desire to be over with all this grave sentiment, he does not know. It was just he couldn't last any longer just staring at her and do nothing but witness it all while she's in a vulnerable moment.

Cautiously and hesitantly, he lifted his hand and lightly tapped her shoulder. He was unsure if it might help her in any possible means nevertheless he wanted to convey that he's there, a complete stranger but a reminder that she's not alone.

Seeing that the girl slightly flinched with his action he momentarily stopped but continued when he took notice that her breathing somewhat calmed. His tapping was light and unconsciously rhythmic which the girl's breathing instinctively mimicked.

"I wish this would help," Marco whispered, to whom it was directed to, he doesn't know. Maybe it was for the girl who needs grounding or perhaps for him.

He got stunned for a moment when her hands gripped the sides of his loose jacket. Her sobbing still hasn't stopped but it became fainter. He could take that.

His other hand reached her head and he lightly brushed her crown. Marco was unsure of many things and as much of those; he knows nothing when it comes to comforting people but words were freed from his mouth.

"I don't know what you have gone and still going through but remember that it all will be alright in time. Maybe not now, but you'll get there."

His voice was harmonized with the hushing wind and the thump of the waves. It was soothing and compelling. Anyone who might hear him say those words would be swayed by the underlying conviction within his wishful thinking.

The hands gripping his clothing loosened, he then heard something that seems to be a hiccup. The young lady began sobbing again, more than what it was earlier and her grip on Marco's jacked tightened even more.

He adjusted his hands to give her a hug, one on her back and the other at the back of her head. He didn't get too close to her, giving them a polite distance despite initiating a hug if it is considered as one. It was close for comfort but far for indecency.

She buried her face on his chest and he just let her. Who cares if his shirt gets wet anyway? He doesn't really mind.

'Some say that hugs help people to calm down. And it is also the best way to comfort someone who's sad or going through some depressing state.'

'I'm not sure but at least I tried. I hope it would.'

A few minutes passed and she gladly stopped sobbing. Marco did not know how long she needed the hug so he just let her be the one to pull away first.

"Are you alright?" he carefully asked, tiptoeing to not touch another vulnerable part, when she finally let go.

She nodded while looking away and then mumbled a small and stuttering, "I'm okay", which vaguely reached the young man's earshot.

Marco can hear her sniffing while wiping her face damp with tears. He sighed and took his hanky out from his pocket, stretched his arm to offer it to her. The girl hesitated at first but she still took it anyhow.

"Thank you," she said while keeping her head hanging low and avoiding his gaze. Her words were so close to being inaudible but he managed to hear them, "For the handkerchief, for comforting me and especially for saving my life."

'Why?'

"You shouldn't be. Besides, it's my entire fault that you were put in a dangerous situation and I'm the one who was running my mouth off, not thinking of the consequences." Marco felt more horrible thinking about it. "I'm sorry."

They both rendered silent after that short exchange. The gush of wind and the crashing waves were once again the only ones resounding in the silence of the solemn night.

Marco swept a once-over look at the girl from head to toe. He frowned when he noticed that her knees and hands were shaking.

'She must be freezing,' he thought as he remembers that they were splashed by the cold seawater a while ago and the low temperature in addition.

"Here, put this on," he offered, handing his black hooded jacket to the girl.

She looked at him bewildered and shook her head repeatedly while making hand gestures.

"Ah, no, no need! I'm fine, really!" she shyly refused.

'Ye say that but you've been chittering.' ¹

"Ich…" Marco went to her and put his jacket over her shoulders and then quickly took a step back after.

"Uh, thanks…" she muttered while looking away.

'Her voice went out again.' Marco tilted his head whilst glancing at the timid girl.

'I don't know if it's just caused by the moonlight or she really flushed?' he thought, blinking. 'Her face seems redder than earlier. Maybe it's because she cried.'

Marco then remembered that he hasn't asked for the girl's name yet and he has been referring to her in his mind with mere pronouns.

"May I know your name?" he asked while scratching the back of his neck like what he always does whenever he is uncomfortable.

He couldn't even believe that he's initiating a possible conversation between him and the stranger again. He never thought that he'd be the one to exchange words with her, like he didn't come up with the possibility that she's just a fragment of his imagination or some unknown magical entity, earlier.

'I wasn't even able to utter a word earlier this afternoon. And look at me now, asking for her name.'

The young lady sighed. Marco clearly witnessed it and then halted.

'Perhaps she's calming herself first or maybe she doesn't want to give her name to me? I mean, I am a total stranger so that's to be expected.'

He decided to introduce himself first to reassure her or at least be less of a stranger.

"I'm Marco. Marco Ainsley." He offered his hand to her but then retracted and then he added, "You don't need to give me your name if you're not comfortable with it."

The young lady sighed once again, bracing herself before she stares at Marco straight in the eyes. She then smiled.

"Ayesha. My name's Ayesha."

Her smile was small but genuine. She was akin to radiating a bright and sunny morning despite being amidst the dark yet starry night. It contrasted the temperament of the area and for quite some time it gave off a warm feeling.

They exchanged smiles as they shook hands. It was just a short while but for some instance, they felt a little acquainted now that they know each other by name.

'Ayesha. That's a nice name.'

***

[1] "Chittering" is a Scottish term that means, "Shivering".