“So first things first, are comfortable staying here?” He asks me“Well I love the loneliness, all I need to do is think for myself and of myself”“Okay, but sometimes, try grabbing a coffee or just taking a walk to clear your head”“I will”“Well, I’ll be going to work, I just wanted to check up on you” he says“But you only just came, why are you leaving so soon?” I ask, a hint of sadness in my voice.“It’s just for work, but I promise I’ll be back too”“Don’t tell anyone I’m here, Jonathan please especially Jim” I say“You don’t have anything to worry about” he says and leaves the buildingThe presence of Jonathan in my life has become a soothing balm to my wounded heart. He's a kind, compassionate soul who keeps showing me warmth and support when I need it the most.Even with the few moments I just spent with Jonathan, Jonathan and I develop a bond, a closeness that feels like family.He always comes through for me at the right times, he treats me with a tenderness that reminds me
I cautiously set the popcorn aside and get up from the couch, my footsteps echoing through the living room. The knock comes again, more insistent this time, and I approach the door with a mixture of curiosity and fear. I peer through the peephole, my heart racing, and see a shadowy figure on the other side.With trembling hands, I slowly unlock the door and open it just a crack.When I open the door, I'm met with Kendra's furious face. Her anger is palpable, and I brace myself for what's to come. But before I can react, Kendra surprises me by pulling me into a tight hug, her eyes are red, it’s like she’s been crying.“Anastasia, I've been so worried about you. I've missed you so much, sister…. Why would you leave like that?” She asks, pulling away from the hug and shutting the door behind herI'm overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that Kendra's arrival brings. I had distanced myself from everyone, including her, and now I realize how much I've missed my sister. Tears well up in my e
The living room is bathed in the cool morning sunlight, casting a cozy glow over Kendra, Jonathan, and me as we sit together. Our conversations have taken on a lively and spirited tone, something I haven't experienced in a long time.“Ana, you won't believe the latest office gossip. It's like a never-ending soap opera.” Kendra says“Oh, I didn’t know your leave was over”“Oh it’s not over yet, but I’m in the group chat so obviously I’ll know the latest tea”“I've always been fascinated by office politics. Tell us more.” Jonathan chimes in, chuckling.I can't help but smile, thankful for the easy banter and camaraderie that have become a part of my daily life now.“Kendra, you know I've been out of the loop. Spill the juicy details.”“Okay, so there's this colleague who's been trying to outshine the boss. You won't believe the stunts they've pulled!” Kendra says, leaving us on a cliffhanger.“Girl, spill the tea” I say, eagerly, my interest piqued.We share stories, laughter, and even
“Common, let me in…. You’re here but you’re not here” Kendra says to me“The truth is I can’t stop thinking about the threats and everything that’s been happening in my life, it gets tiring Kendra, really tiring”“Jonathan won’t let Jim hurt you, I only just spent few moments with him, but I trust him……. I wonder what you were thinking about when you chose Jim” she says, but the last part in a whisper“Oh Kens, you didn’t just say that to me, did you?”I ask“My bad…. My bad” she says and raises her hands in surrender.She places the tray of cookie dough into the oven and adjusts the temperature.“Want to watch a movie Ana?” Kens asks me“I’m not up for that Korean drama, so I think I’ll just pass” I say, walking out of the kitchen“Well well well, at least it’s better than deciding to sink yourself into your thoughts, I hope you know that”“Damn, you're so mean Kendra, you’re such a bitch”I say to her.“Well suit yourself” she says, leaving me in the corridor.The day settles into a c
As the evening settles in, Kendra, Jonathan, and I decide to lay out blankets in the spacious sitting room. It's an impromptu sleepover, a way to spend more time together and create a place of comfort amidst the uncertainty that has gripped my life.We gather blankets and cushions, arranging them in a cozy circle on the floor. Kendra's eyes are filled with excitement, and Jonathan's warm smile assures me that this is a moment to cherish.“This is going to be so much fun! Fun enough to get your mind off things, I'll grab some snacks.” Kendra says“I'll be the storyteller tonight, I’m a god story teller” Jonathan says“I’m just happy you decided to stay over” I say, comfort filling my chest.“It’s the least I could do for you Anastasia, don’t think about it”As we settle onto our makeshift beds, the room is filled with a sense of companionship. Kendra returns with a bowl of popcorn, and Jonathan starts sharing amusing anecdotes and stories, making us laugh until our sides ache.“I neede
“Oh princess, don’t you think we’ve been apart for far too long, I missed you” he says, and his words disgust me.The nickname ‘princess’ that usually gives me butterflies now makes my skin crawl with different emotions.My body tenses, and I struggle to find my voice. Fear and anger wash over me as I face the man who’s been a source of turmoil in my life.“What do you want, Jim?” I ask“ I just wanted to see how you’re doing, Anastasia. We have a lot to talk about.” Jim blurts out, his eyes averting between my bump and my eyesThe encounter is unexpected, and I can’t help but wonder what his motives are. The streets are filled with people going about their business, oblivious to the tension that hangs in the air between us.As I stand face to face with the man I’ve been trying to avoid, I can’t escape the feeling that this encounter will change everything. The uncertainty of what lies ahead looms large, and I must summon the strength to confront whatever challenges Jim might present.
Jim’s POV“You are not entitled to disappear on me, and make sure to abort what is in your stomach because if you don't, I'll lock you up and do it myself” I say without thinking, and I regret the words as soon as it leaves my mouth” I wish I thought about what I said.The next thing I see is Anastasia running across the road, she’s not looking at where she’s going and I’m shouting, hoping she could recognize my voice and stop“Leave that place Anastasia” I yell, but I’m too late.My heart pounds in my chest as I witness the devastating scene before me. There, in the middle of the road, lay Anastasia, her body lifeless and surrounded by a chilling pool of her own blood.And I can’t help but feel like it’s all my fault, it always has been my fault.The car that had struck her had already vanished into the distance, leaving me to grapple with the harsh reality that I was about to lose everything once again.The world seems to blur around me as panic and desperation floods my senses. I c
I place a soft kiss on Anastasia’s hands, trying not yo wake her up before leaving the room.The waiting room in the hospital feels like a cold, unwelcoming place. The harsh fluorescent lights cast sterile, unfeeling shadows across the stark white walls. I cannot escape the gnawing anxiety that claws at me, nor the haunting realization that my actions has played a significant role in landing Anastasia in this critical situation.Kendra would never forgive me and I don’t even want to think about what Jonathan is going to say to me.Sitting there, my mind races with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Guilt, regret, and fear are all trying to fight for control, each emotion a heavy burden to bear. The memory of Anastasia's lifeless body on the road still haunts me, a stark reminder of the consequences of our tragedic history.As the minutes stretch into hours, the silence in the waiting room becomes unbearable. My gaze remains fixed on the sterile floor, but my mind is consumed by the