Under the Rain, a Farewell

Bella stood there, beneath the threatening sky, her gaze avoiding his. He stepped closer, his heart pounding, unable to contain the worry gnawing at him.

— What are you doing here? she finally asked, her voice almost weary.

He observed her, searching for an answer in her eyes. But all he found was a shadow of sadness.

— So it's true... he murmured. You're really leaving?

Bella sighed before nodding.

— Yes.

A shiver ran through Caden. He swallowed hard, struggling to believe what he was hearing.

— Why didn't you tell me?

— Because… I didn't have the courage, she admitted, lowering her head. It was too hard to tell you I was leaving.

Caden took a step toward her.

— Where are you going?

— It's better if you don't know.

— Why?

— Because it doesn't matter, she whispered. We will never see each other again.

Her words hit Caden like a blow to the chest. He shook his head, refusing to accept them.

— What's going on, Bella? This isn't just about an opportunity elsewhere, is it? Everything was fine until that second-to-last rehearsal… That day, something changed. I saw it.

Bella's eyes widened, caught off guard.

Caden stepped even closer and gently took her hand.

— Please, Bella… Don't go. You're the only person I care about. Besides you, I have no one. No matter the problem, we can solve it together… Please, don't leave me…

His voice broke on the last words. His gaze was pleading, his face devastated.

But Bella slowly pulled away, her expression hardening.

— There's nothing to fix, she murmured. I'm going to build my life elsewhere, and you should do the same. Forget me.

Caden stood frozen, as if he had just been struck in the heart. Bella turned away. As she passed by him, she paused for a brief moment.

— I was happy to have a friend like you, she whispered. I will never forget you.

Then, without waiting for his response, she resumed walking, quickening her pace. Behind her, the rain began to fall, mingling with the tears she vainly tried to wipe away.

Caden remained there, under the storm, unable to follow her, unable even to move.

When Bella finally arrived home, she closed the door behind her and collapsed. The sobs she had held back burst forth, overwhelming her. Sliding down the door, she sank to the floor, trembling.

She had to leave. Quickly.

There was nothing left for her here.

Wiping her eyes with a trembling hand, she stood up and went to her room. She needed to pack.