Unfinished feelings

Chapter Nine: Holding On or Letting Go

Days passed, but Julian never called or texted. Amelia tried to stay strong, telling herself she was better off without him. But no matter how much she tried to distract herself, the emptiness inside her grew. She missed him—his voice, his laughter, the way he made her feel like she was the only girl in the world.

But she also remembered the pain. The waiting. The disappointment.

She reminded herself why she had chosen silence. It wasn't because she didn't care—it was because she did. Too much.

At campus, Josephine noticed her quiet mood. "Still no text?" she asked as they walked to the cafeteria.

Amelia shook her head. "Nothing."

Josephine sighed. "Maybe that's a good thing. You need space."

Amelia forced a small smile. "Yeah… maybe."

She didn't want to admit how much it hurt.

Throughout the day, she found herself checking her phone, hoping for a message that never came. By the evening, she convinced herself she was done waiting.

But just as she was about to sleep, her phone vibrated. Her heart pounded.

Julian.

Her hands trembled as she picked up the phone. She hesitated before opening the message.

"Hey. I hope you're okay. I miss you."

Just a few words, but they made her chest tighten.

She stared at the screen, unsure what to do. Should she reply? Should she ignore it?

A part of her wanted to believe he meant it. That he truly missed her.

But another part of her knew—if he really cared, he wouldn't have waited so long. He wouldn't have left her feeling like she was the only one fighting for their love.

Her heart ached as memories flooded her mind. The late-night calls, the sweet messages, the way he made her laugh until her stomach hurt. But then came the loneliness, the broken promises, the feeling of being unwanted when he ignored her for days.

Tears pricked her eyes as she sat up in bed. She wanted to hold on, but what was she holding on to? A dream? A love that only she was trying to keep alive?

Taking a deep breath, she locked her phone and placed it beside her pillow.

If he wanted her, he would have to prove it.

And if he didn't… maybe it was time to finally let go.