569: Realizations and Regrets

As they walked, the garden's tranquil atmosphere contrasted sharply with the tension between Alex and Emma. Alex pushed his wheelchair alongside Emma, who paced slowly to match his speed. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filled the silence that stretched between them, a natural calm that Alex wished could soothe the past’s turmoil. Alex broke the silence, his voice reflecting a mix of regret and realization. "I’ve been thinking a lot about our past, especially after today. I realized how many things I've overlooked or misunderstood. It’s hard to admit, but I've often dismissed your side of the story." Emma looked at Alex, her expression guarded yet attentive. She had learned over the years not to expect much from such conversations, yet she couldn’t help but hope for some genuine acknowledgment of her past grievances. "You’re right," Emma said softly. "I stopped defending myself because it seemed pointless. You had already taken a side, and it wasn’t min