ey'

supposed t

alk into the conference

end of three years, Eric, tangled betwe

ching the scene play out like a sick

rs, burning into my brain,

y, painfully. I felt like I was outside my body,

, I pinched myself, in order to confir

e truths are very

my heart aches so painfully, as if

even notice

o lost in th

eep in the mo

he reports I

sound, light, almost delicate, shattered the

moment his eyes met mi

shocked

from her, starts buttonin

n find where he

me with shame and guilt w

ile

and ice cold. I couldn't afford to hear

ttoning her silk blouse slowly, with practiced ease, like she

e she

sed to be in until t

not r

king hard to hold back the tears, refusing to give them the satis

felt like it

*

dea how I m

mewhere else. In the silence of my apar

wasted. Thrown away for a w

ud, tried so hard to stop

kept repea

d this

ave this be

betray me like t

g myself without g

ottle of wine

own my sorrow

st before I dro

?" Aria said, her voi

ponded, my voice

y? Are you okay? You soun

my throat tighten. " I walked right

came Aria's voice, low and furious. "Wait. Wh

aid, a broken sob escaping my lips. I si

a. Three years go

breathed. "Where

just ran. I couldn't think.

ion. "Don't move. I'm grabbing my keys right

ne still pressed to my ear. "It hurts so m

are not alone. I've got you. "We

down my face, I whispere

bitterly. "He's not worth your pain, Riley. And

p through my tears. "I

e someone who loved with her whole hear

eel strong

end, remember? Ride-or-die. Go wrap yourself in that soft p

, my voice cracking

Aria said,

tears streaming down my face, waiting for