Right Where You Left Me | G. Abrams

3.05

Real life

August couldn't contain her excitement as she sat down with her girlfriend, Gracie. She had been consumed by her latest hyperfixation-Batman. The Dark Knight's world had become her sanctuary, an escape from reality. August believed Gracie would understand and share in her enthusiasm, but things didn't go as expected.

With fervor in her voice, August began gushing about Batman, passionately recounting the heroic tales, the complex characters, and the symbolism that resonated so deeply with her. But as she spoke, August noticed a lack of engagement in Gracie's eyes. It was as if she was somewhere else, not fully present in the conversation.

With each passing word, August's excitement waned, replaced by a growing sense of disappointment. She had hoped Gracie would be as captivated by Batman's world as she was, but it seemed her hyperfixation fell on deaf ears. A wave of sadness washed over August, and she felt her voice trailing off.

Gracie was more focussed on her phone, eyes basically glued to it as she murmured responses to August.

Unable to bear the feeling of being unheard, August retreated into herself, hiding her true emotions from Gracie. She didn't want to burden her with her disappointment, fearing it would only create distance between them. So, she plastered a smile on her face, pretending everything was fine.

But deep down, August felt a void-a longing for understanding and shared enthusiasm. She wondered why Gracie didn't seem to care about something that meant so much to her. It hurt to think that this vital part of her identity didn't resonate with the person she loved.

As they continued their conversation, August's words became hollow, lacking the passion and energy she had initially possessed. She felt a lump forming in her throat, the weight of unexpressed emotions pressing down on her. It was painful to hide her true feelings, but she feared rejection or further disappointment if she spoke up.

"Who're you texting?" August cut off her story to ask.

Gracie tilted her phone away when August leaned over, "No one. Continue your story," She waved off. "You were talking about Superman, right?"

August frowned slightly, but nodded nevertheless and continued talking about Batman.

Gracie, unaware of the storm brewing within August, carried on with casual conversation. She failed to notice the subtle changes in August's demeanor, blinded by her own distractions and preoccupations. August's sadness and frustration grew, feeling invisible and insignificant.

When the conversation finally came to an end, August excused herself, retreating to her own thoughts and feelings. She found solace in the darkness of her room, where she could let her emotions unravel without judgment. She questioned whether she could truly be herself with Gracie, whether their connection was as deep as she had believed.

She missed when Gracie would share her enthusiasm about something meaningless.

In the midst of her solitude, a mix of sadness and anger washed over August. She resented the feeling of being dismissed, of not having her passions acknowledged and appreciated. It hurt to think that the one person she wanted to share her hyperfixation with didn't seem to care.

But within the storm of emotions, a glimmer of hope emerged. August realized that she needed to find a way to communicate her feelings to Gracie. She understood that true understanding and connection required open and honest communication, even when it was difficult.

But first, she was going to make sure Gracie didn't hate her.

Her phone rang for a few seconds before Austin answered, "Hey," She breathed out, holding her phone to her ear. "Does she hate me?"

"Who is she?" Austin asked, "The cat's mother?"

"Austin."

The boy shrugged, "I dunno, August. You'd have to ask her that, but I seriously doubt it."

August bit her nails down to the quick, "Why don't you know? You're her best friend, you guys tell each other everything."

"Not anymore," He chuckled, "She's got a new bestie."

"Oh," The actress breathed out, "Okay. Um, thank you. I'll go talk to her. Bye, Texas."

"You hate me, 'cause you ain't me!" Austin said.

"Can't take you seriously when you sound like a glorified cowboy."

Guys I bleached my hair and now I'm GINGER