Chapter 185
Siren flipped through the pages of the book as she relaxed in the bath.
“Attachment styles. Anxious, avoidant, and secure.”
It was amusing, but thanks to these classifications of human nature, she had come to understand her husband better.
That anxiety in relationships didn’t necessarily stem from actual fears of abandonment, but rather, that feelings of unease could naturally arise.
That it was something distressing even for the person experiencing it, yet there was no sharp solution to fix it.
That only deep and boundless love could truly soothe an anxious attachment style, and so on.
Siren had learned quite a bit.
**[People with an anxious attachment style cannot be alone, not even for a moment. Deep inside, they harbor a persistent fear of being abandoned one day or of their partner eventually growing tired of them.
Because of this, they tend to constantly seek reassurance in love.]**
As she read up to this point, Siren thought of Yasamin.
It described him too perfectly.
[Those with an anxious attachment style are highly susceptible to loneliness, which can sometimes spiral into depression. When paired with a secure type, the secure partner may initially try to provide reassurance, but in the end, they may feel as if they are endlessly pouring water into a bottomless jar. If the secure type leaves, the anxious one becomes even more isolated.]
That was only natural.
Wasn’t it difficult enough for an ordinary person to handle their own emotions? How could they possibly shoulder the burden of another?
[Anxious types long for their partner to fully understand and accept them. They can become wary of others when their partner is around and are extremely averse to their loved one showing interest in anyone else.]
This too… was just like Yasamin.
He would get jealous even if her gaze so much as wandered elsewhere.
[Anxious types become fixated on their anxiety and may exhibit impulsive reactions. Because they excessively depend on their loved ones—whether a romantic partner, caregiver, or significant other—they can display extreme behavior when faced with separation. Examples include self-harm or extreme thoughts.]
Hmm. It seemed there were quite a few people in the world like Yasamin.
Not that she minded.
After all, she was secure.
‘I never let go of what’s mine.’
Knowing that, Yasamin had probably grown more at ease.
Hadn’t he managed to endure being apart for half a month?
Now, it would only be a month. It would be hard for him, but he would likely manage.
‘We have our children now, and the trust built over time is there, too.’
While he endured the time without her… the people around him in Idoros would no doubt have a hard time, but well. That couldn’t be helped.
Turning a man who could have been a tyrant into a wise ruler was already an achievement.
‘For Yasamin to fully change, at least another hundred years will have to pass.’
He had spent a thousand years alone, after all.
Besides, to be honest, she didn’t think he was in the wrong.
To be even more honest… she rather liked it.
That he saw only her, thought only of her, was aware only of her, and longed for her absence.
It was a terribly selfish thought, but if Yasamin weren’t like this, she might actually feel disappointed.
‘And to think, I told myself I would raise him and make him an adult.’
Out in the world, Yasamin was an adult. But in their relationship, he was like a child.
If she were an ordinary human, that might have been exhausting and difficult. But she was Aquafuran. And wasn’t a god meant to embrace the beings of this world with compassion?
His anxiety never crashed over her like waves.
Because it didn’t, he could afford to be as anxious as he pleased.
If what Yasamin needed now was to whine and sulk, then so be it.
She wanted to tell him to do it as much as he wanted.
That was part of who he was—so what else could she do but love him?
‘At the deepest core of all that anxiety is simply a desire to be loved.’
If love was lacking, then she just had to give him more.
Just as plants need sufficient rain to bloom, humans are the same.
Yasamin wasn’t human, but if anything, he was even more so.
Beasts of the mythic age lived solely for their master. So it made perfect sense that he had an anxious attachment.
“Darling, what are you reading?”
Just as the water began to cool, Yasamin entered.
Even after putting both children to bed, he didn’t look the least bit tired.
Siren pressed her chest against the edge of the tub, moving closer to him and reaching out a hand.
“Welcome home, love.”
“Mm. I missed you.”
“Me too. Are you going to wash? I should heat the water a bit more.”
“No, I don’t think that’s necessary. It’ll get hot soon enough.”
She always wanted to make him feel welcome.
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