Chapter 26: Gift
Sarah
Matthew helps me into the boat, his hand warm and steady on mine, but he lets go quickly, not meeting my eyes.
"Are you okay?" I ask after we get back to our room.
"Fine," he says curtly.
"You've been so quiet ever since we got back. Are you angry at me, Matthew? What did I do this time?" I ask.
"Nothing, Sarah. Absolutely nothing. I just want a moment of peace. Is that alright with you?" he snaps.
I flinch at the sharpness in his tone, my chest tightening. "I wasn't trying to bother you," I say softly. "I just thought—"
"You just thought what?" he cuts in, running a frustrated hand through his damp hair. "That we could pretend everything is fine? That today somehow changed anything?"
His words hit like a slap, and I take a step back. "I don't know what you want from me, Matthew. One moment, you're laughing with me, holding me, and the next, you hate me again."
Matthew exhales sharply, turning away. His fists clench at his sides like he's trying to hold something back. "I got carried away and lost myself. It won't happen again."
"Whatever, I am going to bed," I huff, striding toward the bathroom to change into some dry clothes. Today was a fun day, but of course, Matthew had to ruin it for me. For us.