Head pounding, I opened my eyes to January first - task due soon after. A new year started like that: sore skull, ticking clock.
Decision day.
Here it was, the moment I'd sworn would bring clarity. This morning, when I thought everything would snap into place. Back then, distance made decisions feel easier - now closeness just brought noise instead of answers.
Messages packed my phone tight. It sat heavy with alerts, buzzing through the day.
Ella: Wishing you a great year ahead. Did your date go well last night?
Ella: ...Brooklyn?
So… guess you've vanished or just ghosting now. Hit me up once breathing again.
Mom texts a cheerful hello as midnight passes. She sends warm wishes across the room. Her words carry soft affection into the quiet night.
Monday we meet again. A fresh year has started. Sarah sends a note from the lab.
Finding silence where Daniel should be. Jayce isn't speaking up either.
