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HPOV

Hector had lived a difficult life. As a child he needed to learn to survive on his own because his family had abandoned him at an orphanage. His foster parents had been abusive, but he found solace in his foster sister who had always been kind to him, even while she struggled. However, life took another turn and she was found dead on impact in a car accident. With no reason to stay with his foster family, he left. Life took several twists and turns but he was glad for every one of them because they led him to Stephanie, a reflection of his lost sister. It was not the physical attributes that were common, but her very nature was so gentle that Hector couldn't help but love her with all his heart. He didn't know the meaning of family, but he guessed it felt like this – warm and safe. For the first time in his life, he had a home. Home. Something people take for granted, something he never expected to find – didn't know he was looking for.

Dr. Matthew Wade was another unexpected addition to his life. The good doctor was one of the kindest people he'd ever met. But his eyes… there was a depth to them, wisdom that can only be found through great pain and sadness. Hector found himself wanting to drown himself in those eyes. He felt a protective instinct rise in him every time the man spaced out, his eyes filling with sadness as he reflected. It was as though an emptiness encompassed him. A vacuum where his heart used to be. But it was difficult to be sad in the presence of an angel. Stephanie brought joy to both men, always able to cheer up even the dowdiest of people.

Ricardo Carlos Manoso was usually a cogent man, logical and deliberate, but Hector knew that he was also elusive where emotions were concerned. The man had fallen hard the moment he'd met his angel, and worship her he did, but always from a distance. It was as though he was afraid of tainting her with the violence that surrounds him. But Ranger was a fool, because in the end it is the angel that will save you, protect you and guide you. It is the folly of men to think themselves as heroes for we can only fight with fists. It is poetic that women wield more power with soft words and a kind touch. It doesn't take more to break a man.

Stephanie and Ranger's hosted vegetarian dinner had been a success but there was a melancholic air around Ranger ever time she interacted with the good doctor. Hector could tell that it was the soft touch to the doctor's shoulder that broke Ranger.

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MPOV

Matthew was a smart man. He was pensive about Stephanie's relationship with Ranger, and even more so about his budding relationship with Hector. The petrichor of fresh rain held his attention as he walked away from the gathering. Needing a moment to absorb all the changes he'd made in his life. There were still days where he wanted to end everything. Moments that seemed to last longer than an eternity. Stephanie had truly been his salvation, though he know he shouldn't put her on a pedestal he couldn't help it. She had taken the empty space and filled it with light and laughter. Hector… It wasn't that he was against it, just that he didn't understand it. Twenty years being married to a woman – the love of his life, this seemed like a drastic change. The depth of feeling in Hector's eyes every time they talked did not help. He left the house and started to walk. Trepidation filled him as he strode away. It twisted in his gut and filled his heart with fear. The memories rose up again. The joy leaked out. Life seemed to be a vindictive mistress, vacillating to and from happiness to abject misery. It was exhausting and he just needed to minute to rest. A moment of peace.

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SPOV

Stephanie was feeling melancholy as she saw Ranger interact with his friends. Life had passed them by while they were doing their mating dance. Even Lester had found a sweet girl to settle down with. She resolved to stop playing these games. Games are for children and at this point they were both too old to keep this up. It wasn't that she was blameless, after all it takes two to tango. They both had a part to play for their current condition. But it wasn't all bad. She had come a long way in the past three years. She was proud of who she was and for the most part, she was happy. It Ranger truly did not want to pursue a relationship with her, she would let him go. She would need to cut their biweekly meeting to monthly, but she would do it. She would let him go. It was difficult to swallow with a ball of emotion lodged in her throat, but she managed.

She saw Matthew walk out the door and decided to follow. She could use a break.

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AN/: Hello! I hope everyone's doing well and staying at home during this trying time. I was going through my stories and found this little piece and thought I would attempt to finish it. I know this chapter's been a little sad, but don't worry, we'll bring it back up. I hope you like the storyline.

I just wanted to show Matthew's struggle with losing a loved one, because I know it doesn't just go away. Sometimes you feel okay for months but then suddenly you have a meltdown. Not to mention that he's also struggling with his sexuality *wink wink* you see where I'm going with this? This was the plan originally, but I struggled with making it work and not forcing it. Which is why it took so long.

On a personal note, I graduated with my bachelor's in commerce (Economics Major) and now I'm studying master's in IT (Business Analysis and Information Systems Major)! It's been a crazy few years and I just wanted to share with those of you who've known me and my stories from the beginning. I'll bring out the next chapter soon : D