Aftereffect

ARWAN

Head down, I try to stop thinking about everything stressing my mind, but it's impossible. I find myself unable to do it, which kept me awake all night last night. I'm exhausted today, but the uncertainty persists. I'm just as lost, as questioned and as uncertain as I was before. Despite hours of reflection, I still don't know what to do.

I find it hard to really understand the situation. It's hard for me to grasp the reality of it. I didn't know how to interpret it when Zoya kissed me that night. Was she just confused, or did she really want something more between us? But with the photo she posted on that Instagram account and her explanation, I'm filled with doubt.

I don't even know if I've been used. It feels like a betrayal—she kissed me, filmed it, then sent it while I tried to comfort her in the bathroom. How twisted is that? How could she do such a thing? I thought I could trust her. Zoya is one of my closest friends, and I trusted her completely.