Part 12

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"I just want to know you more," he said, his voice soft yet earnest, echoing in the silence of the room.

I brush away tears after I scream at him, my chest heaving as I struggle to catch my breath. It isn't easy to breathe when I get a panic attack. The room spins, and I feel trapped in my own mind. I start taking long, shaky breaths, trying to ground myself. Suddenly, I feel a warm hand rubbing my back, moving in soothing circles. He gently rubs my back, his touch grounding and reassuring. I slowly calm down, the tension in my body easing.

"Calm down. Slowly, slowly take a breath," he says with concern, his voice a steady anchor.

"I am fine," I manage to say, even though my voice trembles. I push his hand away, embarrassed by my vulnerability.

He doesn't flinch. Instead, he holds my right hand gently and ties something around my wrist. I look down to see a colorful friendship band. It's simple yet beautiful, and it catches the light just so. I give him a questioning look, my brows furrowing in confusion. He nervously scratches the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks.

"I thought it would look cool on your hand," he says, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Are you just going to give me this, just like that?" I ask, my eyes still fixed on the band. It feels strange to receive something so freely, without any strings attached.

"Yes? Should I not?" He asks, his confusion mirroring my own.

"Thank you," I say, bowing my head slightly. This is the first time someone has given me something without asking for anything in return. The feeling is new, and it stirs something inside me—a fluttering sensation in my stomach, like butterflies taking flight.

The room feels different now, less oppressive, more filled with warmth. I glance at the band again and then at him, a small smile playing on my lips. For the first time in a long while, I feel a spark of hope, a belief that maybe, just maybe, things can get better.

Suddenly, a piercing scream shatters the moment. Shit! It's Mom. Panic surges through me as I realize the urgency of the situation. I push him away and bolt toward home, my heart racing. Just as I reach the front door, I hear it start to open. I barely manage to slip inside and lock it before Mom steps out.

"Yes, Mom?" I say, trying to keep my voice as steady as possible despite the adrenaline coursing through me.

She looks at me with suspicion. "Why are you not in your room?" she asks, her eyes narrowing.

"Oh, I was just trying to relax... so I took a walk in the garden, yeah," I stammer, my voice faltering with each pause.

"Go to your room," she commands, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I quickly retreat to my room, my heart pounding. As soon as I close the door behind me, I rush to the window and look outside, desperately searching for any sign of him. Thankfully, there's no trace. Relief floods over me as I collapse onto my bed, a nervous laugh escaping my lips.

I glance at the friendship band on my wrist, the colors vibrant against my skin. A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. The adrenaline rush turns into a giddy sense of adventure. I laugh a little, the sound filling the quiet room. Without really thinking, I bring the band to my lips and kiss it, feeling a strange mix of happiness and excitement.

Lying back, I replay the events in my mind, feeling a warmth spread through me. The day had been filled with unexpected moments, each one leaving a mark on my heart. I close my eyes, clutching the band tightly, and drift off into a sleep filled with dreams of possibility and new beginnings.

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