𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒

𝐒𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

The air in my makeshift gym is thick with tension, mirroring the storm raging within me. The rhythmic thud of my gloved fists against the worn leather of the boxing sack echoes like a heartbeat in the stillness of the room. My fists connect with a fierce intensity, a physical outlet for the anger and frustration that courses through my veins like a wildfire.

Michael, that insufferable bastard, had the audacity to show up at Claire's house. The mere thought of him, the image of his smug grin, sets my blood on fire. But what twists the knife even deeper is the realization that Claire willingly stepped into his car. My mind races, replaying that scene over and over again. It was like a punch straight to my gut, a betrayal that twisted my insides. I couldn't fathom how she could simply go with him, as if nothing ever happened between us.

But I couldn't be mad at her. No matter how much anger churned within me. I can't direct my anger at her, not when my heart swells with love for her.

Amidst the rhythm of my pounding fists, my phone buzzes on the nearby bench. I wipe the sweat from my brow with a gloved hand and snatch the phone from the nearby bench. The screen illuminates with her name – Claire. My heart races as I unlock the screen to read her message.

"We need to talk. I'm coming over."

The words hang in the air like a promise and a threat. My conflicted emotions surge to the forefront – the desire to protect her, the anger at the situation, the love that binds it all together. It's a whirlwind, a tempest that's tearing me apart.

With a heavy exhale, I strip off the gloves and let them fall carelessly beside the boxing sack. My breathing stills as I stand in the center of the room, the adrenaline giving way to something more complex, something that claws at the pit of my stomach.

I trudge towards the bathroom, my feet heavy as if weighted by the gravity of the situation. The hot water cascades over me, soothing my muscles but doing little to soothe my mind.

The minutes ticked by, and before I knew it, I was stepping out of the shower, a towel wrapped around my waist. I could feel the knots in my stomach tighten as I dried myself off. Every passing second brought me closer to seeing Claire, to confronting whatever truth she held.

Claire's arrival was imminent, and I had to face whatever awaited me.

As I reached for the door, my heart raced in anticipation. But the moment I laid eyes on Claire, my carefully constructed mental barriers shattered like glass. Her eyes, usually so bright and full of life, now glistened with tears that she was desperately trying to hold back. My heart clenched, and all my prepared words evaporated into thin air.

"Claire," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, as my hand instinctively lifted her chin, urging her to meet my gaze. But she pulled away, her tears now streaming down her face. Her vulnerability pierced through me like a dagger, and my chest tightened with worry.