Dear Andréa

II

"You disgust me," a message from Andréa popped up on Lanna's phone, breaking the months of silence.

Lanna's heart sank as she read the words on the screen, her eyes welling up with tears. The harshness of Andréa's message pierced through her. The weight of the message hung heavy in her chest, suffocating her with its cruelty. She couldn't understand what had caused such a sudden change in Andréa's feelings towards her.

She typed a response, her fingers trembling as she tried to find the right words.

"What do you mean? What happened to you?"

The seconds felt like an eternity as Lanna waited for Andréa's reply. Her mind raced with a million thoughts, searching for any possible explanation for Andréa's sudden comeback. Had she done something wrong? The fear and uncertainty gnawed at her, adding to the pain she was already feeling.

Finally, Andréa's response appeared on the screen, "You should be ashamed of yourself! Your parents do so much for you and what you do of their trust is astounding."

The tears ceased as the hurt slowly dissipated, staining her face.

"I am... confused?" Lanna messaged back, her words trembling with uncertainty and sadness.

As she hit the send button, Lanna's heart sank even further. The pain of Andréa's words cut deep, leaving her feeling lost and betrayed. She couldn't understand why Andréa was suddenly attacking her, accusing her of betraying her parents' trust. Lanna's mind raced, desperately trying to find any explanation for Andréa's accusations. She thought back to their secret connection, the forbidden desires they had kept hidden, and the most recent events. Why now? No matter how much Lanna thought, she could not understand what would compel Andréa to bring up her parents.

The chills of winter in the southern hemisphere sent shivers down Lanna's spine. The last time Lanna had heard from Andréa was in the midst of summer. Their relationship had since witnessed a sudden change, as they both stood right there, in this very room.

The silence on the other end of the conversation was deafening. Lanna anxiously stared at her phone, waiting for Andréa's response. She hoped for an explanation that would make sense of the sudden animosity. Minutes passed, but no reply came. Andréa had left her message on seen, offering no explanation. The absence of a response only intensified Lanna's feelings of confusion and hurt. She felt a mix of emotions, from sadness to anger, as she grappled with the unraveling of their once-close friendship.

It had been six months since they graduated from high school. The future lay before Lanna and Andréa, brimming with possibilities. They were liberated from the confines of their all-girl school tucked deep into the values of their small town. The weight of their hidden desires was slowly fading away, replaced by a sense of freedom and the chance to live their true potential.

Lanna and Andréa had once made countless plans for their future, their dreams intertwined like the threads of a tapestry. They used to joke about going abroad together, immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Switzerland while pursuing their individual passions. Lanna had always yearned to become a journalist, utilizing her gift for words to shed light on important stories and give voice to the voiceless. Andréa, on the other hand, aspired to make a positive impact on people's lives through her involvement in social activism.

"Did you know prostitution is legal in Swiss?" Andréa asked, staring Lanna dead in the eyes.

"What?" Lanna laughed, confused. "What's the sudden thought of prostitution? A change of career maybe?" She teased.

"That's how free people are in Swiss! They can live however they want." Andréa explained before continuing, "Imagine not having to hide who you are..." Her brown hazel pupils stared in the distance.