Paradoxical Warmth

Emma didn't know when exactly it started.

Her overflowing love for Daniel.

Probably it just erupted one day and subsequently spread through her entire being, becoming an integral part of her. She had a pathological obsession with him, and no matter what, she couldn't release herself from it.

At times, she did have her pride and self-esteem acting up, reminding herself that it was too pathetic to go so low.

However, despite that, she desperately held on to him, doing what she could just to have that little bit of his attention.

"Let's not do this anymore."

And all the courage seemed to have dissipated from her the moment those words left his mouth.

It's not that she didn't want to stop him. Maybe she would get down on her knees if that would produce results.

But she knew that it would only make her seem more pathetic.

What right did she have to do it?

On what capacity will she stop him?

After all, she lost all of her privileges.

He was the bright moon that everyone wishes to reach. A hopeful and enchanting figure in everyone's heart.

And she was an unimpressive rock by the roadside that one kicked away when upset.

"Sure, let's do that. I am bored as well," Emma replied.

She didn't break down as she expected neither did her face show any shock.

Probably deep down, she had always been expecting it. No matter how much she drowned in her delusions, she was aware that she couldn't keep the bright moon by her side.

However, even she didn't think that she would be able to part with him whilst wearing a cheerful smile on her eyes— her hazel eyes twinkling as though this was a mutual and amicable breakup.

As though she wasn't breaking apart into pieces inside.

He nodded.

His habitual nonchalant expression— at least when facing her— showed no change as he turned his back on her.

One. Two. Three.

She subconsciously counted his steps as he walked away from her, her life.

And she knew that this would be the last time their life intersected.

If he cared to remember, she will probably be a pathetic chapter of his life.

A chuckle escaped her lips as a trail of tears fell down her cheeks.

The sound of her phone ringing brought her out of her thoughts. She wiped away the stray tear with her palm before reaching for her phone. When the contact name on the screen fell into her line of sight, her body visibly trembled.

Emma took in a deep breath and received the call.

"Where are you? Come back home this instant!" A woman shouted loudly on the other side.

A gasp left her mouth while her hand shook.

She seemed to remember why she wanted to meet him today.

To ask for help.

Unfortunately, she didn't get the time to do so.

°°°

The black car zoomed past the surroundings. It seemed as though it was fleeing from an unseen, ominous force, its powerful engine resonating with a restless urgency. Inside, the driver's frantic movements betrayed a palpable sense of panic, steering the vehicle recklessly until it screeched to an abrupt halt on the soft, golden expanse of the sandy beach.

With a trembling hand, she reached out for the car door, grappling with the handle before finally flinging it open, allowing the warm sea breeze to rush in and mingle with the atmosphere of distress. A disheveled figure emerged, her once pristine white dress now a macabre tapestry of crimson, lending a gruesome aura to the entire scene.

Her entire state was disheveled. Tangled locks cascaded in unruly disarray around her shoulders, her bare feet leaving imprints in the soft shoreline, while her blood-soaked palms stood testament to a dire struggle.

In a daze, Emma staggered forward— her faltering steps a poignant dance as she gravitated toward the soothing embrace of the vast, undulating sea.

Emma stopped.

Her blank eyes watched the large sea, trying to see beyond the horizon. The cold waves caressed her bare feet, and the calming sensation it brought her seemed to be inviting her.

The sea always brought her happiness and peace, always being her sanctuary. Yet, in this moment, even its rhythmic whisper couldn't soothe the profound void within her.

Her steps continued.

Her body shuddered subconsciously at the chilliness, but that didn't make her shrink away from wanting to submerge herself in these inky, icy waters as if the darkness mirrored the depths of her own emotions, and the coldness offered a paradoxical warmth.