The Shadows Within

Chapter 26

**Shameka's POV**

I held Dantae's lifeless body in my arms, feeling like my world was shattering into a million pieces. I had loved him for so long, but I had never gotten the chance to tell him. I had never gotten the chance to be with him.

Tears streamed down my face as I rocked back and forth, holding him close. Why had this happened? Why did we have to lose him again?

I couldn't help but think of all the what-ifs. What if I had been faster? What if I had been stronger? What if I had been there for him sooner?

I felt like I was drowning in a sea of guilt and regret. I should have been there for him. I should have protected him.

As I held his body, I couldn't help but think of all the times we had almost been together. The times we had almost kissed, the times we had almost confessed our feelings to each other.

And now it was too late.

I looked up at Alexander and Ashley, who were trying to comfort me. But I didn't want their comfort. I didn't want anyone's comfort.

I just wanted Dantae back.

As the days passed, I became withdrawn and isolated. I couldn't bear to see anyone or talk to anyone. All I could think about was Dantae and how much I loved him.

And how much I hated myself for not being able to save him.

I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if things had been different. If we had gotten our chance, would we have been happy? Would we have lived happily ever after?

But now it was all just a fantasy. A fantasy that would never come true.

As the pain and grief consumed me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hate towards myself. Why hadn't I been strong enough? Why hadn't I been good enough?

I hated myself for not being able to save him. For not being able to be with him.

And as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, my hatred towards myself only grew stronger.

I was consumed by it. Consumed by the pain and the guilt and the regret.

And as I lay in bed at night, tears streaming down my face, I knew that I would never be the same again.

*To Be Continued...*