When Paths Diverge*

i's

attan, trying to remember the last time I felt truly at peace. It was probably the last time Cotny held me in his arms, the night

d been together for so long, our lives intertwined in a way that felt permanent. But now he was gone, chasing his dr

knew the right thing to say, the right time to make me laugh, the right moment to remind me that I was stron

it up, seeing Elena's name on the screen. A small smile tugged at the

d, trying to keep the

oice warm and familiar. "Just che

th my problems, but I also knew I couldn't lie

ng, Ari. You're going to get through this, and you'

the light at the end of this tunnel. But right now,

don't know what I

a laugh. "Now, how about we grab some lunch? I know a n

icker of excitement. Maybe getting out wo

-

ttle at the sight of the colorful decor and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Elena wa

ng me into a tight hug. She felt warm and familiar,

ning the hug. "You always kno

nning today. I can't get over how radiant your skin looks and how gorgeous

her genuine concern. "I guess I

s she looked at me. She had always been perceptive, and it

"How's your mom doing? I know you

er own pursuits than with being there for me. My dad, on the other hand, had been my rock-r

hrug, trying to sound casual. "You know how

ic. "Your dad's always been amazing

at the thought of him. "He's bee

e support and love Elena offered me. She was my bestie for life, and her presence was a balm for my aching h

nting, and for that, I was grateful. She was my cute monster, the one who always knew how to make me smile, even in

na's

though I knew she was still going through a tough time. The moment I saw her walk through the door, I couldn't help but admire her. Even amidst her heartbreak, she wa

had been trying to find the right way to support her, to show her that she wasn't alone, but I knew it was a delica

and fragile in my arms, and I wanted to do everything I could to make her feel better. "The

er voice soft. "You always kno

ldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked today-her skin radiant, her hair like a cascade of dar

ew she was struggling, and it broke my heart to see her so down. As we talked, I tried to steer th

ld sense the pain in her voice when she spoke about her mother. "H

elings about her. Her mother was rarely around, always off on some adventure or business trip. It wa

with a shrug. "You know how she is.

d I felt a pang of sympathy. "Your dad's always

uching her lips as she thought of him.

red her strength. She was my bestie for life, and even though we were going through different challenges, our bond was unbreakable. "Much love, my cute mon

see her looking a little more at ease. It was a small victory, but it meant the world to me. She was strong, but eve

Ari, you've got this. And no matter what happens, I'm here for you. B

ation. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with a