The Break Up

Chapter Two: Reminiscences.

...

The breakup had left Garfield in a state of emotional turmoil, and it had been a little over a month since it happened. He found himself wrestling not just with the pain of the relationship ending but also with a profound sense of confusion and a lack of understanding. The why of it all continued to haunt him. He couldn't fathom why she had wanted to terminate their relationship, and that uncertainty gnawed at him day and night.

In the aftermath of the breakup, they had engaged in continuous arguments, their words going around in circles as he desperately sought to unravel the mystery of their separation. Despite her yelling it's because he's childish and immature, he knew those weren't the reasons. If they were, she would have shared them calmly when breaking things off. The lack of a clear explanation left him feeling adrift, his mind endlessly circling the question of what he had done wrong to cause her to end their relationship.

News of their breakup spread fast throughout the tower. Richard, with his usual impassive demeanor, had expressed concern primarily about ensuring that the team's dynamics wouldn't be affected. Though Garfield had come to understand that beneath that facade, Richard still cared for his friends and wished them the best.

Victor, on the other hand, had demonstrated a deeper level of empathy. He had approached Garfield, asked if he was okay, and didn't press further when the changeling didn't respond.

Kori, ever expressive in her emotions, voiced her sadness and concern openly. She made it her mission to check on Garfield regularly, a persistence that sometimes pushed him to the point of snapping.

Yet, despite the care and concern of his friends, Garfield found it challenging to move on from the breakup. The memories of the year they spent together continued to haunt him, each recollection reopening the wounds of his heart.

The first night after the breakup, Garfield's anger was so consuming that he found himself confined to his room. Overwhelmed by a mix of resentment and fury directed at her, he couldn't help but feel foolish for having allowed himself to become entangled in something so callous, painful, and heart-wrenchingly cruel. However, as the second night descended, that burning hatred began to give way to a profound sense of sorrow and grief. He grappled with the agonizing question of what he had done to warrant such a devastating outcome. He yearned for answers, desperate to understand what had led her to end a relationship that, despite its unfortunate ending, had been filled with moments of happiness and joy.

Now as he lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, he was once again unable to sleep as waves of nostalgia and grief washed over him.

He remembered the uncertainty Raven had initially harbored about her feelings for him and her reluctance to acknowledge the undeniable chemistry between them. He had been persistent, relentlessly pursuing her, even though it had annoyed her at first. But over time, that persistence had transformed into something she had sought after. The good memories now served as painful reminders of what was lost, deepening his sense of sorrow and longing.

He remembered back to June, the previous year, a time when everything between them had started to change. It was the first time he had kissed her, a moment that felt like it belonged to another lifetime. In the months leading up to that day, they had begun spending more and more time together, just the two of them. Their friendship had deepened and evolved, blossoming into something far more profound.

Their dynamic had shifted significantly over the years. Instead of merely tolerating each other's presence, they actively sought out each other's attention. The gradual transformation of their relationship had been both unexpected and beautiful.

He recalled that particular day, a vivid memory etched into his mind. It had been a fun-filled day spent exploring the vibrant streets of the inner city. He was laughing, though he couldn't quite remember from what, and she was making one of her minuscule smiles.