Broken

Their worlds never collided, though they were always in close proximity, sharing the same space without acknowledgment. One day, he noticed her struggling with the curtains, her fingers artfully but unsuccessfully trying to fix them. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, captivated by her presence and the mystery surrounding her. Who was she?

Before he could approach, someone called his name, snapping him out of his trance, and he reluctantly walked away. Days passed, but her image lingered in his mind, her clumsy grace intriguing him more than he cared to admit.

Finally, on a sunny afternoon, he mustered the courage to approach her. There she was again, battling with a tangled rope, frustration etched on her face. She looked up, surprised but not startled, and met his gaze with a warm smile. “Hello there,” she said cheerfully. “How are you?”

He was taken aback by her openness, her lack of hesitation. “I’m good,” he replied, a bit awkwardly. “What are you doing?”

She held up her tangled hands, laughing at her own predicament. He couldn’t help but smile at her clumsiness, and soon they were chatting, exchanging small talk that led to deeper conversations. They exchanged numbers, and he began calling her every evening.

At first, she was wary. Why was he so interested in her? Why was he so kind and down-to-earth? He listened patiently, understanding her hesitations, and slowly, she began to trust him. In the back of her mind, she still feared it was too good to be true.

Their conversations grew longer, more intimate. They found common ground in their shared interests and began to understand each other’s unspoken words. She opened up, revealing parts of herself she had kept hidden. Sometimes, she resisted the charm, tried to distance herself, but he would show up at her workplace with small gestures that made her feel special and cared for. This persistence changed her mind, and she felt safe enough to open her soul to him.

As days turned into weeks, they became inseparable. They shared thoughts, dreams, and jokes, and she felt alive in his presence. She had found a friend in him, someone who accepted her as she was, without judgment.

Their bond grew stronger quickly, perhaps too quickly. She feared losing him, but he reassured her, promising he was different. She trusted him completely, disregarding what others might think because their friendship felt genuine and pure.

However, nothing lasts forever. Overwhelmed by work, she became stressed and irritable. When he called, she snapped, telling him she needed space. Hurt and confused, he stopped calling, leaving her messages unanswered. His abrupt withdrawal shattered her. She couldn't comprehend what went wrong.

She tried to reach out, but he remained silent. Guilt tormented her, but she couldn’t break through his wall of silence. The more she tried, the more she realized he was gone for good. She blamed herself, retreating from everyone and everything, vowing never to let anyone get close again.

Days turned into a blur of routine. She moved through life with a smile that never reached her eyes, hiding the storm within. The turmoil of emotions, the regret, and the pain were her constant companions. Despite everything, she kept trying to reach out, hoping for a response that never came.

She looked at her reflection, a bitter smile forming. How foolish she had been, letting herself be vulnerable. She bottled up her emotions, carrying the weight of her heartbreak alone, hoping the pain would one day fade. She continued to try, each day a struggle, each moment a test of her resilience.