HEARTBROKEN

"Atlas," Salem says when Atlas doesn't respond. He glances up after a moment, but only meets Salem's eyes for a second before he's looking away again. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, I'm not really leaving, I guess." Atlas finally begins explaining, but that doesn't clear much up. He seems to be trying to find the right words, which makes sense. If he doesn't phrase this explanation just right, Salem's sure he will only have more questions. "I'm just gonna be gone."

"Where?" Salem asks, anger beginning to rise. Whether it's due to his confusion or the lack of communication, he's not sure. This would have been real nice to know sooner. "When? Why? What's going on?"

"After graduation," Atlas says, "you won't see me. Okay?"

Salem is mad, and he's aware of this. He can't tell the specific reason for his anger this time, though it may just be an abundance of stuff. A build up of secrets and lies and critical gaps in information.