Suggestions

♡

You cannot handle the truth,

I tell myself as the words jumble in my head,

The locks keeping them in are breaking

And I can sense a storm ahead.

You won't survive the truth,

I repeat each night,

Writing words in my journal,

Secrets that I hold so tight.

Nobody needs to hear your truth,

I smile until the pain stops,

Making sure nobody sees the single tear

Which on my page it drops.

Why is it so important?

The happiness you cannot seem to find,

Is hidden between the silence

And the wars you fight with your mind.

You are only seeking attention,

That's what they'll all say.

But what if nobody's attention

Is what you crave each day?

It seems to hard to tell someone,

But it seems you better know,

That every other person in the world

Wants to help you grow.

So stop with the heartache,

It's not just hormones of the youth,

You need to get the help you deserve

So please just tell the truth.

♡

"My future."

These two words caused Daisy to freeze in her spot. She looked at him hesitantly, a blush spreading across her face as she gazed into Edward's hazel eyes, her mouth slightly agape. She opened her mouth to say something but hesitated, asking, "Uh? What do you mean to say?"

"That you are my future," Edward repeated once more. Daisy glanced at him quickly, giving him a hint that she didn't understand what he meant. Edward caught onto her confusion and playfully tapped her head, saying, "Little one, did you forget we're friends? And I talk to you about everything. So for any future plans, I would ask you."

Edward noticed a mixture of relief and disappointment flicker in Daisy's eyes. "Is that so?" Daisy mumbled.

"Yes," Edward confirmed casually, about to change the subject, when a sudden surge of playfulness overtook him. "By the way, what were you thinking?"

Daisy's face turned away, but Edward could see the blush creeping onto her cheeks, her ears turning a deep shade of red. "Nothing, I was just…" Daisy trailed off.

"Just what?" Edward prodded in a teasing tone.

"Sad…" Daisy said and looked down.

"Sad? About what?" Edward's tone shifted from playful to serious, his curiosity evident.

"It's just, look Edward, I'm flattered that you asked about my future career preferences and supported me, just as I did for you. But the thing is, I don't think you should rely on anyone, not on me. If you want to do something, just go for it. Don't ask anyone for approval, but for their moral support, you can seek their encouragement. I believe a person should pursue what they want because they know their abilities and interests. Hence, they can make the best decision for themselves. Even if they mess up somehow, there will be no regrets in their hearts. Because they clearly know it was their own choice, nobody else's." Daisy's words flowed earnestly as she expressed her viewpoint.

Edward listened attentively, his expression growing more thoughtful. Daisy's words seemed to touch a chord within him. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh and said, "You're right, Daisy. I guess sometimes I get caught up in seeking validation, but I should have more faith in myself."

Daisy smiled gently and nodded. "Exactly, Edward. You're capable of great things, and you don't need anyone else's approval to chase your dreams."

"Thank you, Daisy," Edward said sincerely, his eyes meeting hers in a meaningful gaze. In that moment, both of them understood the importance of self-belief and mutual support in their journey ahead.

Daisy let out her thoughts, her gaze fixed downward, but she paused briefly to look at Edward before continuing with her words, "Look Edward, my opinions and ideas will mean nothing if you're uncomfortable with them. Doing it just for my happiness will make you go through experiences that will eventually make me feel guilty. I'm not just referring to myself, but other people as well. To sum up my perspective, do whatever you want to, and I will always support you come what may."

Edward looked at Daisy affectionately, and for a moment, Daisy swore she saw a flicker in his eyes as if he wanted to kiss her. But she pushed those thoughts aside.

"I understand what you're trying to say, but honestly, I want to take insights from you. I always wanted to. Even if we weren't friends, I would still try to find a way of knowing about...," Edward paused, and Daisy asked, "About what?"

"About myself, how you see me, what you think could be detrimental to me in the future..." Daisy looked at Edward, who now had a hint of pink on his cheeks. "Edward," Daisy said gently, and he covered his blushing face with the back of his hand. Daisy stood there for a moment before asking something else.

"Is there something you've dreamed of achieving for a long time, Edward?" Edward was taken aback by Daisy's sudden question but smiled to himself, realizing that Daisy had caught on. He wanted to share a part of himself with her. He wanted to reveal what was on his mind at the moment. Her smile indicated the satisfaction her question brought him.

"I wanted to learn about the textile business, but I'm not keen on opting for it professionally. I'm more interested in architectural design. Elegant and aesthetic structures always catch my eye."

"Why haven't you pursued it yet? If you're interested in architectural design, go for it. I'm sure your designs and ideas will be fantastic," Daisy encouraged.

"It's not like I can't stand textile work completely. I just don't find it as fascinating," Daisy looked into his eyes for a moment, then turned her gaze forward and continued, "And if you're worried about what your father will think, that's quite wrong. You should discuss this with him."

Edward was thoroughly surprised by Daisy's precision, as she pinpointed the exact issue. "Um, I just think he might find it a bit odd if I told him."

"Don't set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm," Daisy said vehemently.

"I didn't mean it like that," Edward raised his hands in surrender.

"Then what? It's clear, Edward, you're assuming your father won't understand without even trying to have a conversation with him," Daisy squeezed Edward's hand gently after holding it.

"Work things out with your dad if they bother you. Don't mess with yourself. I bet he will understand," Edward nodded in agreement and placed his other hand on top of theirs, smiling at her.

"Choosing for yourself means being suitable for some associations. If you choose architecture, you never know in the future if textile work might provide you with the satisfaction you seek," Daisy remarked.

"Yeah, you're right, little one," Edward said, tousling Daisy's hair playfully. After finishing their laughter, Daisy suggested, "If you're open to an idea, I can give you one."

Edward nodded eagerly like an excited child. Daisy nodded back and suggested with enthusiasm, "There's a way you can have both – fulfill your father's wishes and pursue your desires. Complete your degree in textile engineering and then specialize in architectural design. You can seamlessly transition your father's business to yourself and also fulfill your dreams by introducing architectural design through your family business as a new venture. How does that sound?"

Daisy looked at Edward, who was completely absorbed in looking at her like she was the most wonderful thing in the world. In an instant, Edward pulled her into a warm embrace and exclaimed, "You're a genius, Daisy! You've literally solved all my worries. I'll go with this plan and also discuss it with my father," hugging her tightly and genuinely pleased. Daisy simply smiled at him, gave his back a reassuring pat, and playfully teased, "Good boy."