Afterglow

XIV. Sorrow and Misery

Seeing someone who played a great part in your life losing strength was a painful experience. It was a harsh circumstance and even though I knew it, I'm still not ready for everything. Theresa's health has never been good but knowing that the reality approaches before I even grasp all of it was heartbreaking. I can't accept a future knowing that I still haven't done anything to pay her for the selfless love she gave me.

My heart felt like it was being crushed along with the dreams I created while thinking that Theresa could still live through it. Everything looked dark but a sudden light lit me up. It was unexpected to see a familiar face during that time and out of all people, Athena was the one who came for me. She appeared out of nowhere and even before I started to scream, Athena held me with her small yet warm hands.

Athena let me scream as much as I wanted while her arms were still around me. She continued to hug me tightly even if my tears were starting to drench her arms.

A few moments after I calmed down and stopped crying, she accompanied me to a much more comfortable place and started to ask some questions.

"Yael, are you done crying?", she asked.

"Yes, thank you but what are you doing here? It's literally midnight. You're not supposed to be here."

"I've heard the news since Stacy relayed it to me. I feel sorry for her but when I saw you rushing to get here with your car, I knew something would happen to you and I'm right. I'm glad I came at a perfect time for you.", Athena replied.

"Why would you do that? You broke up with me months ago, right? You're not my girlfriend anymore and you don't have any responsibilities left that concern me. You are supposed to just let me.", I asked.

"Do I need that status to worry about you? Do I need to be your girlfriend to lend you arms to cry on/ We're not together anymore but that doesn't mean I don't have the right to be there for you. As long as there's still love left inside me, I'll never stop to look out for you. I never told you that I don't love you anymore."

"Just rest and take it easy here inside my arms. I'll never leave you until you're totally fine. Don't worry about me.", she added.

Since Athena thought that I was not in the proper state to drive back home, she suggested that she drive me back to my place and get a night of proper sleep and rest. As for my car, we can just leave it there and come back for it when we visit Theresa back here again.

Athena took me back to my house and while we were there, I asked her more questions on why she decided to sever the ties between us that night.

"You're asking me why I broke up with you? I thought it was very clear now. I thought of it very well before I made that decision thinking that you'll realize it along the way, but I guess you're still too dumb for it.", she stated.

"I'm asking you a serious question. I wouldn't ask it if I truly get it.", I replied.

"Didn't I tell you that you should focus on treating Theresa better? I also mentioned that you should give her all the love she deserves. I sacrificed myself just for you to do that since I know you'll have doubts and will have second thoughts about Theresa."