Chapter 28: Cracks in the Foundation

Chapter 28: Cracks in the Foundation

Two months in, the late-night calls became less frequent. Maya's coursework intensified, and Liam's performances kept him out late. Messages went unanswered for hours, sometimes even a full day. When they did talk, conversations felt rushed, their words measured. The easy, comfortable rhythm they once had seemed to falter under the weight of their separate lives.

One night, as Maya sat in the common area of her dorm, she hesitated before dialing Liam's number. He answered on the third ring, his voice groggy.

"Hey," she said softly. "Did I wake you?"

"Nah, it's okay," he mumbled. "What's up?"

She swallowed. "I just… I miss you."

There was a pause. "I miss you too, Maya."

"Are we okay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam sighed. "I don't know. It's just hard. I feel like I never see you anymore."

Maya's heart clenched. "I know. But it's just for a little while longer. We can get through this, right?"

Another pause. "Yeah. We can."

But even as they reassured each other, the distance between them felt greater than ever. And neither of them knew how to bridge it.