Ghost-Friends

The rain gently tapped against the windows of the hall as everyone left the school. Only two people remained, packing their belongings.

"Ready?" Simon asked, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.

{{user}} smiled wearily. —Yes... let's go.

They had been best friends for years. They knew each other so well that Simon could tell when she was happy, when she was faking a smile, and when something was breaking her inside.

Lately, it was almost always the third option.
Her boyfriend would leave her waiting for hours, ignore her messages, and often speak to her coldly. Even so, {{user}} still believed things could improve.

Simon never gave his opinion too much.
Because if he spoke... he would say what he had been keeping to himself for months.

They walked to the bus stop, joking and chatting casually. Simon did his best to make her laugh.

And he succeeded.

Until the {{user}} 's phone vibrated. Her smile disappeared.

"Everything alright?" Simon asked.

She quickly put her cell phone away.
—Yes... it was just a message.

But Simon had managed to read a few words.

"Don't start again."

She sighed silently.
It hurt him to see her accept things she didn't deserve.
Not because I wanted to replace anyone.
But because I knew {{user}} better than anyone and knew how much he was worth.

That afternoon he walked her home. Before saying goodbye, she thanked him for spending the whole day with her.

—You're always there when I need you.

Simon smiled.
—I will always be here.

She entered his house without noticing the expression he was hiding.

When the door closed, Simon looked down and muttered to himself:

—I hope that one day you realize...that I can treat you better than he can.