A LOVE FORGOTTEN

The Proposal That Waits

Ethan sat on the edge of the hospital bed, his discharge papers resting on the bedside table. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, warming the room, but his thoughts were far from settled. Across from him, Anita sat in the visitor's chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her polished composure barely masking the anxiety etched on her face."Ethan," Anita began, her voice soft yet strained. "I know things haven't been easy for you, but we've been through so much together. We can't just throw it all away."He sighed, his gaze shifting to the floor. "I'm not saying I want to throw anything away, Anita. I just need time to figure things out."Her voice cracked slightly as she continued, "Time? Ethan, we've been together in everything you went through, I was here. My parents are asking when we'll settle down, and honestly… I'm not getting younger. I need to know if we're heading somewhere or if I'm wasting my time."Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, guilt churning in his chest. "It's not about time, or your parents, or anything like that. It's about me figuring out who I am, what I want. I don't want to make promises I'm not ready to keep."

Anita leaned forward, desperation flickering in her eyes. "Then let's start small. We don't have to plan the wedding now. Let's just get engaged, Ethan. At least that would show me you're serious about us."He hesitated, her words hanging heavy between them. "Anita, I don't want to rush into something just because it seems like the next logical step. I'm grateful for you, for everything you've done, but this… this is something I have to be sure about."She pulled back, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I understand. But, Ethan… don't take too long. I need to know where I stand.""I'll think about it," he promised softly, his heart sinking as he saw the mixture of hope and hurt in her expression.Later that evening, Ethan arrived home to find the house perfectly arranged. The scent of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and his mother was waiting for him, her usual air of control firmly in place.

"Welcome home, darling," she said, her smile warm as she walked over to give him a kiss on the cheek."Thanks, Mom," Ethan said, his tone distracted as he took in the familiar space.Anita entered behind him, greeting his mother with a polite hug. "Thank you for setting everything up, Mrs.—uh, Mom."His mother's eyes twinkled as she gestured toward the dining table. "Sit, both of you. Let's enjoy dinner together."The meal began with light conversation, but Ethan could sense something more brewing beneath the surface. As dessert was served, Anita glanced at him before turning her attention to his mother."Mrs.—Mom, there's something important I wanted to talk to you about," Anita began, her tone carefully measured.His mother raised an eyebrow, her focus sharpening. "Go on, dear."

Anita took a deep breath. "I think it's time Ethan and I took the next step in our relationship. We've been through so much, and I feel it's the right time to get engaged. We don't have to rush the wedding, but at least we can make a commitment to each other."His mother's gaze shifted to Ethan, studying him intently. "What do you think about this, Ethan?"Ethan hesitated, the weight of the conversation pressing down on him. "I told Anita I need more time. I'm not ready to make that decision yet."His mother's calm demeanor didn't waver, but her voice took on a firmer tone. "Ethan, you've been through a lot, and I understand your hesitation. But Anita has stood by you through everything, and she's proven herself time and time again. You need stability, and she's offering it to you."

"Mom, I'm just not sure right now," Ethan said, his frustration bubbling to the surface.His mother's expression hardened, her voice cool and authoritative. "I'm your mother, Ethan. I know what's best for you, even when you can't see it yourself. I've decided that the engagement will take place in three months."

Ethan's eyes widened. "Three months? Mom, you can't just decide that for me.""Yes, I can," she replied, her tone brooking no argument. "You're my son, and I've always guided you in the right direction. This is final."Anita's face lit up with cautious hope as she glanced at Ethan, but he could only stare at his mother, his mind racing.After dinner, Ethan excused himself and retreated to his room, the weight of the evening pressing down on him like a storm cloud. He sat on the edge of his bed, his fingers instinctively reaching for the chain around his neck.The ring, now engraved with the name Emily, felt heavier than ever, a reminder of a truth he didn't yet understand."Three months," he muttered to himself, his voice laced with disbelief.As the minutes ticked by, Ethan found himself lost in thought, torn between the life being laid out for him and the faint whispers of a past he couldn't ignore.But one thing was certain: the countdown had begun.