The two of us sit looking out at the Thames, watching the boats go by and the world continues to rush on as we remain comfortably quiet.

"What happened to you, post accident." I speak up, not turning my head to face him. Instead, I watch those on the tour boats. Cameras flash, people point and facts are shouted about the buildings they pass by for all the world to hear, whether they're completely accurate or not.

A small sigh sounds from him, I can feel his hand creeping into mine holding it tightly. "I closed myself off for a few weeks. I didn't want to risk hurting you by telling you what happened, you wanted time to heal and I didn't interrupt. It was what was best for you, even if it, if it hurt me inside." My eyes stay fixated on the Thames, the ripples of the water as the boats rush through, but I listen to his voice. "After a month of silence from you, I threw myself into work, any opportunities I could find, collaborations, editing, going out. I was just busy. If I kept busy, I wouldn't focus on you."

"You, you thought of me? For sixth months." I stated, rather than questioning. "Why didn't you come over? Visit me, ask how I was coping or contact my family?" Taking my hand from his I cover my face, part of me wanting to scream and yell at him for the prolonged absence.

"I gave you six months. You wanted the time to be alone so I gave it to you. Don't be mad at me for doing what you wanted." His tone becomes more serious, brash not kind.

"But you were supposed to contact, Caspar." My voice begins to get louder, almost shouting like those on the boats yelling facts about the Thames and Parliment. "I wanted you to be there at some point. I wanted to tell you about my day, about how I felt inside and that the voices that haunted me for most of my life are gone. But you weren't there! I wanted you to be there because, because I-" I stop.

Breathing heavy.

Blush rising.

Facing him.

Eyes on lips.

Faces moving closer.

"I love you."

*

We remain quiet. Lips slightly apart with his breath lacing mine. My eyes remain closed as my forehead is resting against his. I need to respond, he has said it. The words are out, but why can't I admit it. I need to admit it to him, but I can't.

"Caspar." I whisper into his lips. He begins to shake his head gently across my forehead.

"No, no Ali, don't." He pleads, but I move away distancing myself.

"I'm not ready. I, I can't." My voice remains hushed, my hands slip out of his and I turn around walking away.

Back turned. No going back. No looking back.

Tears fall down my cheeks as I know he is sitting there having told me what I wanted to hear all along, the words I've wanted to tell him for too long. "I love you too."

and that is the end. it's about time I finally finished Unknown, but luckily there is one last chapter- the epilogue to follow. thank you for all reading, I know it's been a complete mess but at least it is now complete. it's been a long time coming, but I am glad to have known it is finished. thank you x