Chapter 32 : New beginnings
As the days turned into weeks, Ethan and his brother continued to work on rebuilding their relationship. It wasn't easy, but they were determined to make progress. Roman was a constant source of support for Ethan, and his presence helped to ease the tension between Ethan and his brother.
One day, as they were meeting for coffee, Ethan's brother brought up the topic of their childhood. "I've been thinking a lot about our past," he said, his eyes clouding over with memories. "I realize now that we were both victims of circumstance."
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of understanding wash over him. "I've been thinking about that too," he said. "I'm sorry for my part in what happened."
His brother smiled, a small, sad smile. "I'm sorry too," he said. "Let's try to move forward, okay?"
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in years. "Okay," he said.
As they parted ways, Ethan felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but he was ready to face the challenges ahead.
Roman was waiting for him when he got home, a look of concern etched on his face. "How did it go?" he asked.
Ethan smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Roman. "It went well," he said. "We're going to try to move forward."
Roman's face lit up with a warm smile. "That's great news," he said. "I'm proud of you."
Ethan felt a sense of happiness wash over him. He knew that he owed a lot of his progress to Roman, and he was grateful for his love and support.
As they hugged, Ethan felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but he was ready to face the challenges ahead, as long as Roman was by his side.
Over the next few weeks, Ethan and his brother continued to meet and talk. They discussed their childhood, their parents, and their feelings. It was a difficult and emotional process, but they were determined to heal and move forward.
Roman was a constant source of support for Ethan, attending therapy sessions with him and offering a listening ear whenever he needed it. Ethan was grateful for Roman's love and support, and he knew that he couldn't have made it through this difficult time without him.
As the weeks turned into months, Ethan began to feel like himself again. He was happier, more confident, and more at peace. He knew that he still had challenges ahead of him, but he was ready to face them head-on.
One day, as Ethan and Roman were walking through the park, Ethan turned to Roman with a smile. "Thank you," he said.
Roman looked at him quizzically. "What for?" he asked.
Ethan's smile grew wider. "For everything," he said. "For being here for me, for supporting me, and for loving me."
Roman's face lit up with a warm smile. "I'll always be here for you," he said. "I love you."
Ethan's heart swelled with emotion. "I love you too," he said.
As they hugged, Ethan felt a sense of peace and happiness wash over him. He knew that he had found his soulmate in Roman, and he was grateful for every moment they spent together.