The fluorescent lights in the hallway felt like they were burning right through Taylor’s skull as she left her mother’s hospital room. Or perhaps that was just the tears she was trying so hard not to cry because Andrea Swift was undergoing chemotherapy for the second time. The last thing she needed at that moment was to watch her daughter cry.

However, Taylor noticed Travis seated in one of those terrible plastic seats that seemed to be made to make waiting even more agonizing. His knees with his elbows his. Taylor’s feet stopped moving as he held himself hunched over and tight with his head buried in his hands. He must have heard her footsteps because when he looked up, Taylor’s stomach dropped quickly due to the look on his face, which was a mix of terror and remorse, as well as something else she couldn’t quite place.

“How is she?” Travis said in a gruff voice, as if he had been crying, or had simply been sitting in tight stillness for too long. and he swiftly got to his feet, reaching for Taylor as usual as it seemed as natural as breathing to touch her. However, Taylor retreated just enough that his hand briefly hovered between them before collapsing to his side.

She saw his expression change from one of uncertainty to one of what appeared to be panic. “What did my mom ask you?” Taylor said, her voice sounding flat and emotionless, the only way she could talk at the moment without shouting or losing it entirely. Travis’s face became so pale that it was completely devoid of color.

In the harsh lighting of the hospital, Taylor observed his jaw tense and unclench as he forcefully swallowed. “Let me clarify, Tay,” he began. And something inside Taylor’s chest just snapped when she heard those four words, the ones guilty people often use to try to defend something that wasn’t justified. Taylor added, “She asked you if you were serious about me.

” She noticed a nurse down the hall glancing over as her voice began to grow and became louder, but she couldn’t bring herself to ou asked if you were serious about us, this relationship, and our future. Travis parted his lips, but nothing came out. Taylor could also see that he was having bodily difficulties.

 I could see every muscle in his body tensing up as he searched for words to somehow improve the situation. However, Taylor retreated just enough that his hand briefly hovered between them before collapsing to his side, and she saw a look of bewilderment cross his face, followed by something that appeared to be panic. “What did my mom ask you?” Taylor said, her voice sounding flat and emotionless, the only way she could talk at the moment without shouting or losing it entirely.

However, there were no words that could improve this. Nothing to refute what he had claimed. I’m not sure yet, you said to her. Taylor’s voice broke at the final word, and she felt the first tears begin to flow down her face, hot and furious. Cheeks, you said to my mother, “My sick mother. my mother who is lying in that room right now fighting for her life that you’re not sure yet if you’re serious about her daughter.

Travis moved to touch her but he paused when Taylor raised her hand like a stop sign. That’s not what I meant. He continued, his voice suddenly plaintive and frantic. Then what the hell did you mean? Travis, Taylor shouted, no longer even trying to hide her tears. Because I was brought back into that room by my mother after. She was crying when you left.

 Do you get that? However, Taylor retreated just enough that his hand briefly hovered between them before collapsing to his side. She saw his expression change from one of uncertainty to one of what appeared to be panic. “What did my mom ask you?” Taylor said, her voice sounding flat and emotionless, the only way she could talk at the moment without shouting or losing it entirely.

She was in tears. Because the man her daughter has been dating for months, who has attended holidays and family meals, and whom she has welcomed into our family, recently informed her that he is unsure if he is sincere. Taylor had witnessed Travis run both hands through his hair on numerous occasions when he was feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.

“Normally, she thought it was cute, but at the moment, it only made her more irate because he wasn’t the one who was annoyed. “She put me on the spot,” Travis remarked. And the moment those words departed, Taylor saw him realize how awful they sounded as he opened his mouth.

I witnessed him getting violently upset about his own justification. You were put on the spot by her. Taylor’s voice had risen dangerously as she repeated, “Now it’s<unk> quiet.” The silence that preceded an explosion, “You were put on the position by my mother, who is now battling cancer and may not survive this.

” She simply wanted to know if the man in her daughter’s life would support her. Travis responded, raising his voice as well. It wasn’t like that. Taylor was able to hear a hint of defensiveness. Tay, she didn’t simplyask whether I was concerned about you. I’m ready to marry you, she asked. If I could manage your life, profession, celebrity, and everything else, and if I was prepared to support you through it all.

However, Taylor retreated just enough that his hand briefly hovered between them before collapsing to his side. She saw his expression change from one of uncertainty to one of what appeared to be panic. My mother asked you what? With a flat voice, Taylor said, utterly dispassionate, which was the only way she could talk at the moment without yelling or losing it entirely.

I freaked out when she asked if I was prepared to be her husband. The words marriage and husband suddenly hung in the air between them like live grenades, making the hospital hallway appear to tilt sideways for a brief moment. Taylor literally had to place her palm on the wall to stabilize herself. “So, you told her you weren’t sure in response,” Taylor muttered, and her entire body began to tremble.

Trembling with a mixture of hurt, fury, and fear. “Your response caused my dying mother to fear that her daughter is squandering time on a man who has no idea what he wants.” Travis said in a firm, harsh voice, “Don’t say that. Don’t claim that your mom is dying. Andrea will overcome this since she is resilient in fighting.

Taylor’s laugh sounded broken and resentful. Travis, you’re unaware of that. No one is aware of that. Additionally, the fact that you are standing here debating semantics with me. Rather than figuring out why what you said was so unbelievably underscore up merely indicates that perhaps you’re not sure, it’s possible that you have no idea what you want out of this relationship.

But hold on for what transpired in that antiseptic hospital hallway revealed just how much suffering each of them had been carrying around on their own. How many anxieties they have been keeping from one another. How terrifyingly near they were to losing everything they had worked so hard to create.

Because neither of them understood how to show vulnerability without seeming. Utterly afraid, Travis’s face simply fell apart as if he had been hit by a physical blow. And Taylor saw the 6’5 in NFL player who tackled people for a living start balling in public in the middle of the hospital hallway, tears flowing down his cheeks.

“You think I don’t know what I want?” he asked, his voice strangled with emotion and heavy with tears. “Tay know precisely what I want. I want you. I want every aspect of you, including the dangerous and terrifying bits, because they’re so much greater than anything I’ve ever experienced. I want your career, your fans, your crazy schedule, and your need to be flawless at everything. I want your family.

I want Sunday dinners with your parents. I want to be there for every treatment, every scan, every moment of fear, and every victory. Taylor felt her own tears coming more quickly now. She felt her anger beginning to splinter and crack, but she wasn’t ready to let it go yet. So, why the hell did you tell her you weren’t sure whether you were prepared to forgive him? Because I’m terrified that I’m not enough for you, he said.

And the words rushed out like he’d been holding them in for so long that they were fighting to escape. I’m terrified that one day you’re going to, she demanded, her voice breaking. Travis wiped at his face with the back of his hand, but the tears continued to flow. And when he looked at her now, his eyes were so raw, so completely exposed that Taylor felt it like a physical pain in her chest.

Wake up and realize that I’m just a football player that I can’t write songs, perform for millions of people, or create art the way you do. That I’m going to hold you back, drag you down, or somehow not be able to keep up with your incredible life,” Taylor said, staring at him with her mouth hanging open. Because Travis had never mentioned this in all the months they had spent together during all the late night talks, arguments, makeups, and vulnerable times.

Had never acknowledged that he felt inadequate that he was afraid of falling short. When your mom asked me if I was serious, Travis went on. He was crying so much now that he was having trouble speaking. All I could think was that she would see right through me, which made me fear. She was going to realize that I wasn’t worthy of her daughter, that I wasn’t intelligent, cultured, or anything else that would make me worthy of you.

And I reasoned that if I bought myself some time by saying I wasn’t sure, perhaps I could figure out how to become the man you deserve, Taylor replied. You absolute idiot. In a voice that was now soft and heavy with her own tears. Before she even realized she had made up her mind, she was walking toward him, taking three swift strides to get closer.

Your family is what I want. Sunday dinners with your parents are what I want. When Andrea wins this, I want to be there. And I want to be present for every scan, everytherapy, every terrifying moment, and every triumph. Now, Taylor could feel her own tears coming more quickly. Felt her rage beginning to flare up and splinter, but she wasn’t prepared to let it go just yet.

Wasn’t prepared to pardon him. So, why in the world did you tell her that you weren’t certain? Her voice broke as she demanded. She extended her arm and touched his face with both of her hands under her palms. She could feel the moisture from his tears. I could feel him shaking. You are sufficient, Travis. You’ve always been sufficient.

It’s not that you’re unworthy of me. You don’t see what I see, which is the issue. You are the greatest thing that has ever occurred to me, but you don’t realize that. Travis shut his eyes and more tears started to flow. And now Taylor was crying uncontrollably. Felt all of her rage becoming into something more profound, painful, and genuine.

“But you hurt my mom,” she said in a whisper, her voice breaking at the word mom. “Trav, you hurt her. She’s in there scared and sick and worried about what happens to me if she doesn’t make it through this. And you made her more scared. You made her think that I’m going to be alone, that I’m going to end up heartbroken again.

Travis opened his eyes and withdrew slightly. Time to really gaze at her, and his face was utterly ruined, ravaged with love, anguish, and shame, all blended together in a way that made Taylor’s heart hurt. “I understand,” he murmured in a weak voice. “I know, Tay, and I despise myself for it. I regret saying the incorrect thing.

I regret frightening her. I regret making this about myself and my foolish fears when it should have been about telling her that I will always look out for you. He inhaled tremblingly. However, I need you to comprehend something and I need you to pay close attention to what I’m saying. I’m serious about you and our relationship.

It scares me every day since I’m so serious. I’m so serious that the idea of eternity doesn’t frighten me nearly as much as the idea of losing you. Something cracked open inside Taylor’s chest. Felt the walls she had been erecting begin to fall apart. She leaned forward until her forehead was in contact with his chest, allowing her to hear his heartbeat beneath her ear.

She muttered, “You can’t do that again.” into his shirt. Travis put his arms around her and hugged her so tightly that she could hardly breathe. You can’t panic and say things you don’t mean, especially not to my mom. She needs to know that you’re steady, that you’re reliable, that you’re going to be there. She felt him nod against the top of her head.

“I know, and I’m so underscore sorry, baby,” he whispered. They stood embracing each other in the hospital for a long while, saying, “I’m so sorry. We need to go talk to her,” Taylor finally said, pulling back just enough to look up at Travis. “You need to go in.” Taylor’s mother lay in a bed just 20 ft away, fighting for her life while doctors and nurses passed by and machines beeped in distant rooms.

Slowly, gradually, Taylor felt her anger transform into understanding and compassion and the painful realization that they were both just scared people trying their absolute best not to screw up this precious thing they built together. Tell her what you just told me there. You have to make this right. Travis nodded, looking more afraid than Taylor had ever seen him before a game, interview, or public appearance.

Okay, he murmured, his voice still trembling. Okay, yes, I’ll do that. But what if she doesn’t pardon me, T? What happens if she tells you that you deserve better and that I’m not good enough for you? Then we deal with it together, Taylor said, reaching up to gently but firmly wipe the last of the tears from his face with her thumbs.

They walked back to Andrea’s hospital room together. Their hands clasped so tightly that Taylor’s fingers were beginning to go numb. Travis knocked softly on the door before slowly pushing it open. Andrea was propped up in the hospital bed, and when she saw the men enter, she said simply, “But you need to try.

You need to show her who you really are. Not the panicked version who said the wrong thing, but the real Travis, the one I fell in love with, the one who is kind and compassionate.” Andrea watched as Travis in particular said, “I need to apologize to you. What I said earlier about not being sure that was wrong was a lie. Actually, not an intentional lie, but a lie that came from fear and insecurity and my own complete inability to believe that I deserve your daughter.

” His voice was stronger now, more certain, and he walked straight up to the side of her bed without hesitation. The truth is, I’m more sure about Taylor than I’ve ever been about anything in my entire life,” Travis said, taking a deep breath. Taylor stayed back near the door, giving them space, her heart pounding so hard in her chest that she could hear it in her ears.

“I’m positive that I adore her. I’m positive that Iwant to start a life with her. I’m positive that I want to be present for every high and every low. Additionally, I’m positive that I want to join your family.” I panicked when you asked me that question,” Travis remarked. Family means being someone you can trust, someone you can count on, someone who will take care of your daughter the way she deserves to be taken care of.

Andrea’s expression softened slightly, and she looked over at Taylor, who was crying openly once more, these quiet tears that she wasn’t even trying to hide anymore. And now his voice was becoming emotionally charged once more because it seemed like you were testing me to see if I was deserving of her. Additionally, Andrea, I’m afraid that I won’t. I’m learning, though.

Every day I strive to improve, and I swear to you that I will dedicate the rest of my life to become the man Taylor deserves, a man you can be proud to call family. Andrea remained silent for what seemed like a very long time, and the only sounds in the room were Travis’s labored breathing. Taylor’s quiet sobbing and the gentle beeps of medical equipment.

Then Andrea extended one hand, grasped Travis’s hand with both of hers, held it firmly but lovingly, and gazed up at him with eyes that were keen and full of intense mother love despite being worn out from therapy. She said, “Travis,” in a steady but somewhat feeble voice, “It’s not about being flawless or knowing everything to be worthy of my daughter.

It’s about being there, being truthful, and loving her despite the difficulties, fears, and uncertainties. I was wounded by what you said earlier, not because I believed you didn’t care for Taylor, but rather because I thought you didn’t have enough faith in yourself to be open about just how much you do care.

I do care, Travis said, his voice firm despite the tears. Travis nodded, fresh tears streaming down his face, and Taylor walked over and stood right next to him, put her hand on his back, and felt him lean slightly into her touch. I care so much that it keeps me up at night. I care enough that I’m willing to have these hard conversations.

I care enough that I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong, and I care enough that I’m standing here asking for a second chance to show you who I really am. Andrea saw the two of them, the way they stood side by side supporting one another, the way Taylor’s hand rested on Travis’s back in a protective manner, and the way Travis carried himself as though he would fight the world to keep Taylor safe.

And she grinned slowly, slowly. It was a tiny smile, worn out from everything her body was going through, but it was genuine, cozy, and filled with a type of love that only moms can give. You already have your second chance,” she whispered softly, squeezing Travis’s hand once more before making it public.

“Everyone occasionally says the incorrect thing, especially when they’re afraid. But Travis, if you ever make me doubt your commitment to my daughter again, if you ever make me worry about whether you’re going to be there for her, we are going to have a very different kind of conversation.” “Do you understand me?” she said with a pause and a slightly stern expression.

What matters is that you’re here now, that you’re being honest, that you’re trying to make it right.” He nodded so forcefully that Taylor thought his neck might hurt later. “Yes, ma’am,” he said firmly. “I understand completely, and I promise you it won’t happen again. I swear to you, it won’t happen again.” Andrea then extended her arms to both of them, and Taylor and Travis bent down together, carefully navigating all the tubes, wires, and medical equipment, and they gave Andrea a gentle hug.

This amazing woman was fighting so hard, loving so fiercely and just. Travis held Taylor’s hand as they walked slowly to the parking lot, neither of them in a rush to let go of this moment. “I’m sorry,” Travis repeated, his voice quiet in the night air. for all of it. When Taylor and Travis finally left the hospital that night, the sky was dark and full of stars that you could hardly see through the city lights.

She wanted to know that her daughter would be safe, loved, and cared for no matter what happened. For frightening your mother, for forcing you to. I’m sorry, too, she said softly. For not giving you a chance to explain before I attacked you in that corridor. Taylor stopped walking and turned to face him, reaching up to cup his face in both hands despite having to stretch up on her toes to do so.

Travis drew her in and planted a gentle, long lasting kiss on her forehead, saying, for allowing my fear and anger to take over instead of trying to understand what was really going on with you. We’re going to be okay, she whispered against his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of him. all of us. When Taylor and Travis eventually left the hospital that evening, the sky was dark and full of stars that you could hardly see through the city lights.

Travis held Taylor’shand as they walked slowly to the parking lot, neither of them in a hurry to let go. Taylor felt something settle in her chest, something that had been churning, painful, and sharp. “Of this moment, “I apologize,” Travis said, his voice low in the darkness. Travis put his cheek against the top of her head and held her even more tightly.

For all of it, my mom is going to beat this cancer. And we’re going to figure out how to be better at communicating with each other. And we’re going to stop letting our fears make us say stupid things to the people we love. Yeah, he muttered in agreement. Yes, we are. But let me tell you something. When your mother asked me about marriage being serious and everything else, that forever stuff, I want you to know that my heart knew the answer right away, even if my mouth said all the wrong things. My heart has known since the day

I met you that you’re it for me, that you’re the person I want to choose every single day for the rest of my life.” Taylor tilted her head back to look up at him, and in the dim parking lot lights, she saw his face, which was honest, open, and so full of love that it gave her the best kind of chest ache. Her voice was firm and certain as she said, “I choose you, too.

Even I chose you, Travis Kelsey. Even when you’re a fool, even when you say the wrong thing at the worst possible moment, even when you’re scared, nervous, and totally human.” They stood there in that parking lot clutching each other every single day. Two individuals who had recently overcome suffering, anxiety, and uncertainty to discover something more robust and genuine on the other side.

For the first time in hours, Taylor felt as though she could breathe normally and that everything would actually be all right. Together, we will overcome this and emerge stronger. Please click the like button immediately if you were moved by the story about Travis’s medical error and the altercation that nearly put an end to his relationship with Taylor.

Tell me about a moment when you or someone you care about utter the wrong thing at the worst possible moment by leaving a comment below. How did you overcome it? How did you come to forgive? Additionally, even if it’s messy, you should fight for love and believe in second chances and frightening. Please let me know in the comments.

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