When She Gets Burned

The Unravelling

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow across the city as Alani celebrated her 22nd birthday. Months had slipped by since the tumultuous days of university exams, and a sense of relief washed over her. She had embraced a new chapter in her life, one where the weight of academia lifted, replaced by the anticipation of what lay ahead. Alani had made a significant change during this time – she had moved into Ezra's apartment, selling her own to channel the funds toward her ongoing studies. The decision to consolidate their lives had been a practical one, though it brought a peculiar blend of comfort and uncertainty.

As Alani navigated this juncture, she found solace in her writing. A book, a secret world contained within the confines of her mind, was slowly taking shape on the pages. The characters breathed life into the narrative, and Alani revelled in the anonymity of her creative endeavour. It was her sanctuary, a space where her thoughts and desires flowed freely without judgment. Ezra, attentive as ever, showered her with gifts, tangible expressions of his affection. The apartment was adorned with trinkets, tokens of his love – a constant reminder of the world he sought to build around her. Yet, for all the material abundance, Alani grappled with an internal conflict.

As she sat at the small table in the dimly lit apartment, surrounded by the flickering glow of birthday candles, Alani couldn't shake the feeling of being on display. Ezra's love, though genuine, came with a subtle weight, a silent expectation. She wondered if the lavish gifts were a way to fill the voids that words couldn't reach. Alani leaned into the embrace of the moment, the scent of vanilla from the birthday cake mingling with the traces of Ezra's cologne. The room felt alive with celebration, yet a quiet unease lingered beneath the surface.

In the midst of the festivities, Alani excused herself to the bedroom, where the manuscript of her untitled book lay hidden. The characters danced across the pages, each word a testament to the clandestine world she had birthed. The writing became her refuge, a place to explore the depths of her thoughts without the constraints of reality. As she traced the lines of ink on paper, Alani reflected on the enigma of her relationship with Ezra. The gifts, the gestures – they were tokens of affection she appreciated, yet an unspoken yearning whispered within her. The narrative of her life seemed intertwined with the tale she penned in secrecy, a dichotomy she couldn't escape.

The apartment was enveloped in the aroma of simmering spices and the sizzle of ingredients in the pan. Alani, lost in the rhythmic dance of chopping and stirring, created a symphony in the kitchen. Tonight was meant to be a simple celebration – a quiet dinner for two. She hummed a tune to herself, the melody echoing through the cosy space.

The door creaked open, and Ezra strolled in, his silhouette framed against the dim glow of the hallway. A quick peck on her cheek signalled his return, and he settled into his seat at the table, eyes gleaming with anticipation. As Alani dished out the meal, Ezra's gaze became contemplative, his thoughts evidently far from the culinary delight before him. He cleared his throat, a prelude to the concerns that hung in the air.

"You know, Alani," he began, "I can't help but notice how low you've been lately. It seems like going back to university is taking a toll on you. Maybe you should consider other options. Dropping out, perhaps?"

Alani, mid-pouring wine into glasses, froze. The suggestion hit her like a splash of cold water. Dropping out? The very idea was inconceivable. She had fought her way through years of academia, determined to forge a path that aligned with her aspirations. A dismissive laugh escaped Ezra's lips. "Look, I'm just trying to help. If it makes you unhappy, why not consider a different route? Your well-being is more important."

The audacity of his words hung heavy in the air. Alani felt a surge of frustration. How could he casually propose she abandon her dreams? She shook her head, dismissing the notion.