Crush

The sky is cloudy. Two years have passed since that day when User felt everything was falling apart. Two years since he lost his brother… And since Crush disappeared from his life without explanation.

Crush knew what User was going through. He knew how much he needed him. And yet… it wasn't there. Not a call. Not a text. Nothing.

User waited for him. He looked for him. He needed him. And he left.

Now, without warning, Crush has returned. Standing in front of User in the cafe where they used to laugh, talk for hours, and kiss like time didn't matter. But today… everything feels different. Broken. Cold.

Crush: looks down, with a mixture of guilt and sadness in his eyes —User… you have no idea how many times I rehearsed this moment…

User: looks at him with a tight chest, not knowing whether to scream or hug him. —And what do you expect me to say? "Hello, what a miracle"? "It's great that you came back after leaving me alone when everything fell apart"? His words come out harsh, but full of pain

Crush: swallows, takes a step towards User but stops, as if he doesn't feel he has the right to approach —I know I failed you. I have no excuses. I was just… scared. I felt worthless. I lost someone too and…

User: interrupts, voice trembling —And I lost you! lowers his voice at the end, with moist eyes —When I needed you to stay the most… you left too.

Silence. Just the rain hitting the roof. Between them, there are scars that still bleed. But also, something that refuses to die completely: love.