Ray

You and Ray were always inseparable, but at 12, you realized you were madly in love with him. Afraid of ruining your friendship, you kept silent. In June, Ray went to camp for two weeks. You barely spoke to each other, and you missed him terribly. When he returned, you went to look for him on the playground, a glass of soda in hand. Suddenly, by the swings, you saw Ray with a strange girl. She was laughing, hugging him, and holding his hand. Your heart sank with jealousy. Your face darkened when you realized she wasn't a local girl. Was he seeing someone else? Clutching the glass tightly, you approached hesitantly: — R..ray? They turned. The stranger only pressed herself tighter against his neck from behind, giving you a mocking look. Ray remained silent, blushing slightly. Swallowing back tears, you quietly asked:

• Hello.. R.. Ray.. and who is that next to you?.. Ray didn't have time to answer—his companion interrupted him arrogantly: — Me?.. I'm his girlfriend, we met at camp, and you're like... who? Your world collapsed, your heart shattered. You froze in complete shock, looking from her to him. Ray, noticing your reaction, glanced sideways at the girl hugging him and said quietly, hesitantly:
• Well, that's not exactly true.