Hidden Flames..

Chapter 2

As the years passed, Lily's feelings for Ethan only grew stronger. Every time he visited, she would brace herself for the familiar pangs of unspoken affection. Yet, to Ethan, she remained firmly in the realm of the little sister.

One chilly autumn evening, the day had finally come for Ethan to leave for further education in another city. The house buzzed with activity as Jake and their parents helped pack up Ethan’s things. Lily, standing off to the side, tried to mask her sadness behind a practiced smile.

“Time to hit the road,” Ethan said, clapping Jake on the back. “I’ll miss you guys.”

Lily stepped forward, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “Good luck with everything, Ethan. I hope it all goes well.”

Ethan’s smile was warm, yet casual. “Thanks, Lil. I’m sure it will.”

As he embraced her briefly, the hug was brief, brotherly, and made her heart ache. She hugged him back, trying to convey all the emotions she couldn’t put into words. But as he pulled away, she noticed his casual, almost oblivious demeanor. To him, this was just another goodbye, another chapter in his adventure.

When the car finally drove away, Lily watched it until it disappeared from view. A knot of sadness tightened in her chest, but she said nothing. She didn’t want to spoil the farewell with her personal feelings. Instead, she retreated to her room, where she allowed herself to cry in silence.

As Ethan left she decided to keep the journal and write her feelings..

Journal Entry: October 15

Today was the day Ethan left for his new life in the city. I thought I’d be okay, but it turns out I was wrong. Seeing him pack up his things and say his goodbyes was harder than I imagined.

He gave me one of those friendly, almost affectionate hugs, but it felt so distant—like it was meant for someone else. I kept hoping that maybe, just maybe, he’d look at me differently before he left, but no. To him, I’m still just the little sister.

I tried to stay strong and not let my feelings show. I didn’t want to make this harder for anyone else. But as soon as he was gone, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I felt this crushing weight in my chest, a mix of sadness and longing that I can’t quite describe. I guess that’s what makes it so painful. It’s like I’m living with this constant ache, knowing that he’s moving on to something new while I’m still stuck here, quietly loving him from afar.

Sometimes I wonder if he ever saw me as more than just Jake’s little sister. If he ever noticed how I look at him, or how my heart races every time he smiles. But I know deep down, he probably doesn’t. He’s always been so focused on his own path, his own dreams, that he never saw me as anything more than a background character in his story.

I’m going to miss him. I’ll miss the way he makes me laugh and the way he makes everything seem a little brighter. It feels like a part of me went with him today. I keep thinking about what it would be like if things were different, if he could see me the way I see him. But for now, all I have are these pages and my endless longing.

I don’t know if things will ever change, or if my feelings will ever be reciprocated. But for now, I’ll keep writing. Maybe someday, when he comes back, things will be different. Maybe he’ll finally see me, really see me, and realize how much I care. Until then, I’ll hold onto my dreams and keep my heart locked away, hoping that someday it will find its place.

– Lily