Days passed, and my condition worsened. School became a daunting task as I struggled to maintain my composure. My classmates noticed the change in me, expressing concern as my face grew paler by the day. Climbing stairs felt like an insurmountable challenge, my legs trembling with each step. The pain at the back of my head intensified, signaling that things were spiraling out of control. Neglecting my medication, I detested its side effects, but I knew I couldn't avoid the inevitable any longer. I needed to speak to him, if only to see him one last time. I reached out, offering to return his belongings. After initial agreement, his demeanor shifted abruptly, his tone laced with anger. A sudden frustration came inside of me, every emotion I felt exploded into a heartfelt message, revealing the complete truth, the web of lies I spun out of fear. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as the truth finally surfaced. Tears flowed freely as we spoke that night, the weight of lies lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to depart with a semblance of peace.
I had one of his jackets, the one he always admired so much. It felt necessary to return it, to let go of that lingering connection between us. The following morning, filled with nervous anticipation, I arranged to meet him to hand it back. As I made my way to our designated meeting spot, memories of our shared moments flooded my mind, each step heavy with the weight of our past. Sitting at the familiar bus stop where we once waited together, I felt a surge of anxiety wash over me.
Seeking reassurance, I reached out to Michael and Erin, my steadfast confidants, who offered words of comfort and support. When he finally arrived, the air crackled with tension, and I summoned a smile as I handed him his belongings. Awkwardness hung heavy between us as he walked away, leaving me to grapple with the ache in my heart. But then, unexpectedly, he returned, urging me to keep the hoodie – a cherished token of our shared history. Reluctantly, I accepted, feeling the weight of his departure settle upon me.
As I waited for the bus, tears threatened to spill over, and I sought refuge in the familiar voices of Michael and Erin. Boarding the bus, I tried to compose myself, but the sadness lingered, weighing heavily on my shoulders. I stepped off the bus, still engrossed in my conversation with Erin. Unaware of Michael standing in front of me, I relayed that I was arriving. Suddenly, his arms enveloped me in a tight hug, and I crumbled, tears streaming down my cheeks onto his shoulder. Taking me gently inside, Michael led me to where Erin awaited. Though I'd only seen her once before, she embraced me warmly, offering solace in her presence. She hugged me tightly, offering solace and comfort that penetrated deep within. In that moment, a profound sense of trust enveloped me, knowing she would stand by my side whenever I needed her. Despite their likely exhaustion from discussing about him endlessly, I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support.
As I arrived, he texted me, inquiring about my well-being. Unable to deceive him, I confessed that I wasn't okay. He then mentioned finding a pair of headphones that didn't belong to him. I couldn't recall them, but I seized the opportunity . I did own similar headphones. Just didn't know if they were actually mine. He agreed to return them to me, marking our final encounter.