Eternal Echoes

Chapter Eighteen: Tipsy Courage and Shattered Promises

Michaella couldn't take it anymore. The gnawing ache of missing Gabrielle was too much to bear. She spent the night with her cousins—Elijah, Matthew, Alan, and Mia. They had gathered at her apartment for a casual evening, filled with laughter, movies, and a few too many drinks.

As the night wore on, Michaella found herself growing tipsy. She picked up her phone, went out to the balcony, feeling a surge of courage fuelled by the alcohol. Before she could second-guess herself, she dialed Gabrielle's number. He picked up after a few rings, but he didn't say anything.

Breaking the silence, Michaella said, "I don't know why I called."

"You're drunk," Gabrielle replied.

"No, I'm tipsy," she corrected him. "But you know me—when I drink, I become more courageous. I do what I don't dare to when I'm sober."

"I miss you," Michaella said, after a few seconds She heard him reply faintly "Me too."

They talked and talked for an hour, their conversation flowing effortlessly. For a little while, it felt like everything was okay. Michaella's heart felt lighter, and she revelled in the familiarity of his voice. Elijah opened the balcony door, and the rush of cool air brought her back to reality.

"I have to hang up," she told Gabrielle reluctantly.

"Okay," he said softly.

She ended the call, feeling a bittersweet happiness. For a brief moment, she felt like they were back to what they used to be.

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The next day, the reality of their separation hit her hard again. The fleeting joy she had felt the previous night gave way to jealousy and anger. She missed him so much it hurt, and that made her angry. She couldn't stand it anymore. Without thinking, she called him again. This time, her emotions were a volatile mix of longing and fury.

Gabrielle answered, and they switched to FaceTime. The moment she saw his face, she started yelling, her frustration pouring out uncontrollably. He looked weary and disinterested, which only fuelled her anger and heartbreak.

"Are you finished?" he asked coldly when she paused to catch her breath.

Michaella stared at him in disbelief. She felt the sting of tears, but she held them back. "Do you still want to talk to me?" she demanded.

"You know me, right?" he said, his voice devoid of the warmth she once knew.

"Yeah," she whispered, feeling her heart race.

"I left you, What does that mean then?"

Those words hit her like a punch to the gut. She was choking on her tears, the reality of their situation crashing down on her. This was the same man who had promised her eternity, and now he was pushing her away.

"But why did we talk yesterday?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"I was weak and surrendered to my emotions," he said flatly.

That was all it took. Michaella ended the call, tears streaming down her face. Michaella felt like she was drowning in a sea of sorrow and confusion. The man she loved, who once made her feel invincible, was now the source of her deepest pain.

She hung up, and the dam broke. She cried and yelled, her chest tightening with each sob. Her mother came rushing in, wrapping her arms around Michaella and holding her close. She whispered soothing words, trying to make her daughter feel better, but Michaella was lost in her grief.

The question that tormented her mind was simple yet devastating: If he's treating me like a stranger, did he love me for real?

Doubt and insecurity gnawed at her heart. Was she not worth fighting for? Michaella's confidence shattered, leaving her feeling more alone than ever. Her mother's comforting presence was a balm, but it couldn't heal the deep wound in her heart.

As the tears subsided, Michaella lay in her mother's arms, feeling like a shadow of her former self. The love that had once been her greatest joy was now her greatest sorrow. She was left questioning everything, uncertain of what was real and what was merely an illusion.

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