Departures and Goodbyes

Daniel sat in the dimly lit Irish pub, nursing his drink as he recounted his sorrows to his old high school friend, Alex. They had been inseparable during their teenage years, and now, years later, they found solace in their shared troubles.

"She's moving to Tennessee," Daniel muttered, the alcohol amplifying his despair. "Lily told me during her last visit. Emma’s leaving the country, and I can't do anything about it."

Alex, who came from a wealthy political family and had been in a long-term, yet non-committal relationship with his childhood sweetheart, nodded sympathetically. "That's tough, man. But maybe it's for the best. You know how complicated things get after marriage."

Daniel shook his head. "I’ve tried everything to forget her, Alex. I get drunk, sleep around, overwork, hit the gym for hours. But nothing works. Every time I close my eyes, I see her. I feel disgusted with myself for trying to replace her."

He thought about Emily, the girl who had been in love with him since