The Parade

DESTINY

My mind still reeled from what James had confessed earlier, the weight of his words still lying heavily on my heart. I wanted to believe him so badly, but my mind kept telling me to be cautious, like a nagging voice in the back of my head. And yet, despite my reservations, I poured out my feelings to him, my heart exposed and vulnerable.

Maybe I should have lied to protect my heart, but James would have seen right through me. Like he always did.

My phone buzzed with a text message, its soft vibrations breaking me out of my whirling thoughts. Her name flashed across the screen, a sharp pang of betrayal coursing through me.

I placed the phone face down on the bedside table, its cold surface a stark reminder of the distance between us. I hesitated, contemplating whether to delete the message unread. That was so like my mother, avoiding a face-to-face conversation in a cowardly manner. There were so many things I wanted to say to her, but she had robbed me of that chance.

Suddenl