𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

𝐅 𝐎 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐄 𝐈 𝐆 𝐇 𝐓

Sofiana

I walked into the small, cozy diner, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filling the air. It was a far cry from the luxurious restaurants I usually frequented, but I loved this place. It had a certain charm, unpretentious, welcoming, and always buzzing with life. It reminded me of simpler times, when Diana and I used to sneak out of our college dorms late at night to grab a bite here after studying.

As I scanned the room, I spotted Diana in our usual booth at the back, already sipping on a mug of coffee. She looked up as I approached, a smile spreading across her face. Diana had always been the more relaxed and laid-back one between us, and today was no exception. Her brown hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and she was dressed in a casual sweater and jeans, the epitome of comfort.

"Hey," I greeted her as I slid into the booth opposite her.

"Hey yourself," she replied, setting down her mug and giving me a once-over. "You look good, Sofi. Glowing, even. What's going on?"

I couldn't help but smile at that. "Oh, nothing. Just, you know... life."

Diana raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my vague response. "Come on, spill. I haven't seen you like this in ages. There's something, or should I say someone, making you smile like that."

I hesitated for a moment, not sure how to begin. Diana and I had been best friends for years, and she knew me better than almost anyone. I have told her about Lowin but not much. But talking about my feelings, especially when it came to relationships, wasn't something I did often. Or easily.

"It's Lowin," I finally admitted, my voice soft.

Diana's smile widened knowingly. "I had a feeling it was. So, how are things going with her?"

"They're... good. Really good, actually," I said, unable to hide the happiness in my voice. "She's just... she's everything, Diana. She's sweet, kind, smart... and she makes me feel like I can be myself, you know?"

Diana nodded, her expression warm. "I'm happy for you, Sofi. You deserve someone like that in your life."

"Thank you," I murmured, looking down at the table for a moment. "It's just..."

"It's just what?" Diana prompted gently.

I took a deep breath, trying to put my feelings into words. "I love her, Diana. I really, truly love her."

There. I'd said it. The words hung in the air between us, heavy with meaning. It was the first time I'd admitted it out loud, even to myself, and now that I had, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and fear. Loving someone was terrifying, especially for me. I'd spent so long building walls around my heart, convincing myself that I didn't need anyone, that I could get by just fine on my own. But Lowin had shattered those walls, piece by piece, without even trying.

Diana's expression softened as she reached across the table to take my hand. "I'm so happy for you, Sofi," she said sincerely. "I know how hard it is for you to let someone in, to trust someone with your heart. But it sounds like Lowin is worth it."

"She is," I whispered, squeezing her hand. "She really is. But I haven't told her yet. I haven't told her that I love her."

"Why not?" Diana asked, her voice gentle.

I sighed, leaning back in the booth and looking out the window at the bustling street outside. "I'm scared," I admitted. "I've never felt this way before, and I'm scared of what it means. What if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I tell her and it ruins everything?"

"Sofi," Diana said softly, pulling my attention back to her. "I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you this, you can't let fear stop you from being happy. Lowin clearly cares about you a lot, and from what you've told me, she's probably feeling the same way. But you won't know until you take that step."

I nodded, knowing she was right but still feeling that familiar knot of anxiety in my chest. "It's just... I've spent so long protecting myself, Diana. I don't know how to let someone in like this."

"I know," she said sympathetically. "And it's okay to be scared. But Sofi, you've already let her in. You've let her see parts of you that you don't show to anyone else. And from what you've told me, she hasn't run away. If anything, she's drawn closer to you. That says a lot."

I let out a shaky breath, feeling a tear prick at the corner of my eye. "I've never felt like this before," I admitted. "I've never wanted to be with someone so much, to share my life with them."

Diana smiled softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "That's love, Sofi. Real, messy, beautiful love. And I'm so happy that you've found it."

I smiled back at her, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you, Diana. For everything."

"Always," she replied, giving my hand one last squeeze before letting go. "And hey, when you do tell her, it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be honest."

I nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "You're right. I just need to find the right moment."

"And when that moment comes, you'll know," Diana said with a wink.

We spent the rest of our time at the diner catching up on other things, talking about work, life, and everything in between. But the conversation about Lowin lingered in the back of my mind, a constant reminder of what I needed to do.

As we finished our meal and got up to leave, Diana gave me one last piece of advice. "Don't overthink it, Sofi. Just follow your heart. It won't steer you wrong."

I hugged her tightly, feeling grateful for her friendship and her wisdom. "Thank you, Diana. I'll try."

"Good," she replied with a smile. "Now go and tell that amazing girl how you feel."

I laughed softly, feeling a sense of determination settle in my chest. I would tell Lowin. I would tell her how much I love her, how much she meant to me. And I wouldn't let fear hold me back.

As I walked out of the diner and into the cool evening air, I felt a renewed sense of hope. I had found love, real love, for the first time in my life. And I wasn't going to let anything get in the way of that. Not even my own fears.

Because Lowin was worth it. She was worth everything. And I was going to make sure she knew that, no matter what it took.

————————————————————————————————————

~ R