Forced Than Loved ★ Pablo Gavi

₃.₅

★☆★☆★

The Last Day

★☆★☆★

I can't believe an entire year has passed since I moved to Madrid. It feels like just yesterday Lilly and I were stepping off the plane, filled with nerves and excitement, ready to take on a new chapter of our lives. But somehow, time slipped through our fingers like sand, moving faster than I ever could have imagined. Madrid has been more than just a temporary home; it's been one of the best experiences of my life. The city welcomed me with open arms, and over the months, I found a piece of myself here—one that I'll always carry with me. The people, the streets, the late-night conversations on the balcony, and the countless hours spent on set—all of it has left a permanent mark on me.

But now, it's time to go back.

In just two days, I'll be returning to Barcelona. The thought of seeing my family and friends again fills me with excitement, but there's also a bittersweet ache in my chest. Madrid became a part of me, and leaving it behind feels like closing a chapter I'm not quite ready to let go of.

Lilly and I spent the entire afternoon yesterday packing up everything we needed to take back with us. Our apartment, the one that had become our safe haven, was now stripped down to just the essentials. But thanks to Tina, we don't have to say a complete goodbye to it. She was kind enough to let us keep the apartment in case we ever wanted to return. That small gesture made all the difference, it gave me comfort knowing Madrid would always be waiting for me.

Back in Barcelona, I'll be moving in with my parents until I find my own place again. Yes, they bought a house there and I am so happy for them, though my home in Valencia will always be my number one. They were beyond happy when I told them, already making plans for my return. I can practically hear my mom's voice, full of joy, as she talks about all the family dinners she's planning. Their excitement makes me even more eager to go back.

But today, there's still one last thing left to do.

It's our final day on set. Our last chance to step into our characters and bring this movie to life. We only have a few more scenes to shoot before wrapping everything up, and I'm beyond grateful that I get to spend this last day acting alongside Lilly.

We enjoyed a quiet breakfast together in the apartment, the kind that felt unspokenly special, like we both knew this was one of the last ones we'd have here. Then, with coffee in hand and our usual energy buzzing between us, we stepped out onto the familiar streets of Madrid, walking toward the studio one last time.

"Excited to head back home?" Lilly asked, glancing at me as we weaved through the morning crowds.

I let out a soft sigh, looking around as if trying to memorize every detail of the city before leaving it behind. "Very," I admitted, "but I also loved my time here. Doing this movie with you was probably my favorite part."

She grinned and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me in for a quick side hug. I returned the gesture, and for a moment, we just walked like that, lost in the simple comfort of each other's presence.

Before we knew it, we were standing in front of the studio doors. Tina was waiting for us, her arms crossed, a rare softness in her eyes. The moment she saw us, she pulled us both into a surprisingly tight hug, squeezing us like a proud mother would. We laughed and hugged her back just as tightly.

"Girls, please, take a seat," she said, motioning for us to follow her into her office.

The room felt warm, and welcoming, but there was an undeniable finality in the air.