Kris

Paris was drowning in damp autumn. You walked side by side, but it was as if you were on different paths. Everything had been different before: freshman year, laughter, coffee, nights spent working on projects. Then the silence became more familiar than words.

Chris always stood out: dark hair, soft puppy eyes. But he distanced himself. Or you.

With the new arrival, you started smiling again. It was easy with him. Chris saw it. And he remained silent.

That evening, you took a long walk until the sky darkened. The rain started suddenly, but you didn't speed up.

Drops were running down his face, he walked a little behind, then suddenly stopped.

— I've been losing sleep lately, dreaming of what we could have had. But darling, I've been praying hard, stop counting money, let's count the stars!

The words hung in the air.

You didn't understand right away.

And when I realized it, it became too quiet inside.

It was a confession.

Chris looked at you without his usual defense. There was fear in his gaze... and hope that you wouldn't leave.