From the start (Joel Miller x Reader)

Chapter 15

In the aftermath of Joel's sudden disappearance, life became a maze of unanswered questions and emotional turmoil. The once cherished memories now carried a weight of uncertainty and confusion, leaving you feeling adrift in a sea of unresolved feelings.

Days turned into weeks, and the ghosting persisted, amplifying the ache in your heart. You grappled with a multitude of emotions, from hurt to anger, and the sense of rejection began to take its toll. Each unanswered text felt like a dagger, deepening the wound of his absence.

You sought solace in the company of friends, attempting to distract yourself from the void Joel's departure had left behind. Yet, even laughter and conversations couldn't completely fill the void. The constant stream of advice from well-meaning friends only highlighted the complexity of your emotions.

You oscillated between replaying moments of laughter and shared intimacies to analyzing conversations, searching for a clue as to why Joel had chosen to vanish without a trace. Every glance at your phone, every unanswered call, only served as a reminder of his absence.

Work became both a refuge and a challenge. The semblance of normalcy it provided was a temporary respite from the emotional turmoil. However, even in the midst of professional obligations, thoughts of Joel lingered, a persistent ache in the back of your mind.

Nights were the hardest. Alone with your thoughts, the weight of his absence pressed heavier. It was in those quiet, solitary moments that the questions became deafening. What had gone wrong? Was it something you had said or done? Was he okay?

Despite the pain, a part of you held on to a sliver of hope, hoping against hope that he would resurface, that there would be an explanation or at least a word of closure.

However, as the days turned into weeks and weeks into a month, the hope dimmed. You realized that closure might not come in the form you had hoped for. It was a harsh realization, but one that slowly nudged you toward the path of acceptance.

Amidst the emotional whirlwind, you found solace in activities that brought comfort. Writing became a refuge, allowing you to channel your emotions into your creative pursuits. There was a cathartic release in pouring your feelings onto paper, a semblance of closure found in the inked words.

Despite the pain, life moved forward in its relentless pace

As you strolled along the quiet park path, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot matched the rhythm of your thoughts. Your gaze fixed on the horizon, lost in contemplation, until a familiar voice brought you back to the present.

"Hey there! Fancy meeting you here," Sarah's cheerful voice called out.

Turning around, you saw her, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "Hey, Sarah! What a coincidence, right?" you replied, returning the smile. Despite the tumult of emotions inside, seeing her brought a semblance of comfort.

Sarah chuckled. "I know, right? I come here for some fresh air and a break from college stress."

"Yeah, sometimes a quiet walk can do wonders," you nodded, sharing a moment of understanding.

She glanced at you, noticing the subtle hints of distress behind your smile. "Everything okay? You seem a bit off today."

You hesitated, not wanting to burden her with your troubles. "Ah, it's just one of those days. A lot on my mind, you know?" you replied vaguely.

Sarah's expression softened with concern. "Well, if you need to talk or anything, I'm here. Seriously. I know it's tough sometimes."

"Thanks, Sarah. That means a lot," you said, touched by her offer of support.