? |DREAMS TO REALITY| ? [SCHOOLBUSGRAVEYARD X READER]

CHAPTER 38 - Hopelessness

She hesitated once more, debating whether to keep sharing the truth. The choice of whether to reveal or conceal it was a heavy burden on her mind. The tears streaming down her face showed him how challenging it must have been for her. It seemed like something too much for her to handle on her own.

"What am I even doing? I shouldn't, but I..." It was really difficult for her to decide. Although she couldn't keep him waiting in uncertainty, she needed to provide him with a clear answer.

In a situation like this, she would naturally try to explain it simply, but it was not easy to do so. Maybe her racing heart was making it difficult, or perhaps she was afraid of the reaction she might get, thinking he might see her as unwell. She knew it was expected, but she was really scared – she couldn't deny that.

Her fear was consuming her, especially after all the time she spent with the group, promising not to tell their families. She knew she wasn't supposed to, but she wasn't sure if she could handle the pressure. The consequences were unknown at this point, and she wasn't sure how he would respond once she told him the truth. It felt like a long time of silence as she was lost in her thoughts of doubt and conflict, her tears slowly fading away.

"Just take a moment to breathe and relax, Y/N. Come on, think... brain, think. Is this really happening right now? Why is my heart racing? Just breathe, breathe... I'm scared. Say something-" Her concerns, worries, and doubts were all jumbled together as she thought of the many things on her mind at once. Her mouth hung open, desperate to find the right words to explain her situation. Just as she was about to speak, her father finally acknowledged her state and hugged her tightly.

"Hun... It's okay."

He never thought he would see her in such a confused and conflicted state. She was his little girl again, and he wasn't sure how to explain it, but for a brief moment, he saw her childlike self before his eyes – a reminder of when she acted this way when her mom died. A single tear almost fell down his face, but his expression showed sadness. He couldn't imagine the pain she was feeling. Even though he wanted to understand her concerns, he couldn't focus on that now while watching her struggle to convey her words.

"I'm sorry..." The girl whispered softly into his shirt.

"There is no need to apologize. You haven't done anything wrong." He gently grabbed her cheeks, turning her face towards him and softly squished them together in his palm.

Y/N cried as she buried her face in her dad's shirt, tears staining the fabric as she clung to him tightly, wishing all her problems would disappear. Even though he couldn't fully grasp her struggles, he remained by her side, embracing her as if she were the most valuable reminder of his late wife. Gradually, the girl's tears subsided, leaving just her and her dad locked in a comforting hug.

"If you're not feeling well, you can stay home today."

She shook her head and said, "No, but I appreciate it." Y/N then began to pull away from the hug and placed her hands on her lap.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

"Alright. Please don't force yourself to dwell on what's bothering you. I'll drive you to school since you missed the bus earlier." The man slowly got up from the floor and grabbed his phone. "Your grandparents are out running errands, and I have some business up the road. I'll let you get ready and make you breakfast. Love you, Hun." He finished with a quick and gentle smile before walking away. Y/N was left sitting on her knees, alone with her thoughts.

Y/N muttered to herself, "I don't think I can do it, Dad. It's impossible when my mind is not at peace."

The man walking down the second-floor hallway slowed his pace as he approached the stairs. Pictures of various events hung on the wall beside the stairs. One showed him and his parents at his high school graduation, with his parents kissing his cheeks as he smiled at the camera. Another picture displayed him and his wife with a beautiful background. In this photo, the sky was a mix of pink, purple, and orange colors, with their daughter smiling happily in the foreground.