Chapter Text
It was cold out. The rain was pouring down, making the windshield barely visible to see through. Aphmau kept her eyes on the road, and Garroth stared at the floor. He wouldn't look up, despite Aphmau's futile attempts of small talk.
Garroth's hands shook, his legs bouncing from his anxiety. He was almost 99% certain the entire car was shaking too. He couldn't help it! His nerves were running so wild, he felt like he might combust. Aphmau gave him a sideways glance, her face drawn. She looked… so tired.
Aphmau spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Garroth.. you don't need to do this yet. We can wait another week or so.. until you're ready?" She turned her attention back to the road, her hands tight on the steering wheel. She was just as anxious as him. It had been so long since she saw him, after all.
He sighed, trying to calm his nerves. "No.. I really appreciate it but-" he thought for a moment, then spoke again "I keep avoiding doing this. I need to see him." Aphmau frowned, but nodded, signaling she understood. "If you say so, bud. Just remember, we can turn around at any point."
Garroth smiled softly, mumbling a little "alright", and he turned his attention back to the floor of the car, lost in his thoughts.
He couldn't believe he was actually trying to do this, actually trying to visit him! After two years… he was finally coming back? Two years of running, of hiding, of trying to escape himself and his past. Has it even been long enough to call it past? It still felt so recent. Too recent.
Garroth shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts from the horrible moments two years ago brought him. All of it was so messed up, he was almost certain all these months of therapy might not even help.
Aphmau spoke up again, reaching over and tapping Garroth on the shoulder. "Hello? Earth to Garroth?" Garroth flinched back, and Aphmau instantly redrew her hand "Sorry.. sorry." She sighed, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Well… we're here." Garroth looked up, staring at the looming apartment building. Maybe it shouldn't have felt so scary, but Garroth felt like he was going to cry by just looking at it.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Aphmau asked, smiling softly, her face now warm and approachable. Garroth smiled back but shook his head.
"I need to do this alone. It's time to finally face my fears."