Editorials & Elegies

Chapter XI

Enid and Yoko finally made it home, the door to their apartment closing with a heavy thud that seemed to shut out the chaotic world outside. They had successfully dodged reporters, who had gradually laid off as the day wore on. The relief was palpable as they slipped off their shoes and sank into the familiar comfort of their shared space.

Yoko stretched and made a face, her tongue sticking out in mock disgust. "I feel like I need a shower to wash off the grimy paparazzi dirt. Those guys are relentless."

Enid managed a small laugh, though her mind was elsewhere. "Yeah, it was pretty intense today."

Yoko gave her a concerned look. "You okay, Enid? You seem really down."

Enid shrugged, not trusting herself to speak without her voice breaking. She forced a smile. "I'll be fine. I just need to check in with Wednesday, see how she's holding up."

Yoko nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "Alright. I'll be in my room if you need me. Don't hesitate to shout for help if Wednesday's too much for you to handle." She winked and then headed towards her room.

Enid watched her go, feeling a swell of gratitude for her friend's support. Taking a deep breath, she walked to her room and closed the door behind her. She sat on her bed and pulled out her phone, her fingers hovering over Wednesday's contact for a moment before she pressed call.

It rang a few times before Wednesday's familiar voice came through, sounding weary.

"Hello, Enid."

"Hey, Wednesday. How are you holding up?" Enid asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"It's been overwhelming, to say the least. The media won't leave me alone," Wednesday replied, a strain evident in her voice that made Enid's heart ache.

"I know it's hard. I've only ever experienced that today, but you must get this all the time now you're back in public," Enid said, her worry seeping into her words.

"It's not just hard, Enid. It's ridiculous. The media only cares about the romance angle. They even assume we're together. It's absurd," Wednesday replied, her voice tight with frustration.

Enid felt a sharp sting at Wednesday's words, her emotions boiling over. "Why is it so absurd? Are you saying it's ridiculous to think we could be together?"

There was a brief silence on the other end, and Enid could almost hear Wednesday's thoughts racing. "That's not what I meant. I just think it's invasive and trivial. They should focus on my work, not our personal lives."

"So, you think our connection is trivial?" Enid's voice trembled with hurt and confusion.

"I didn't say that. But this constant scrutiny is too much," Wednesday said, her tone softer but still strained.

Enid's eyes filled with tears, her heart aching. "I thought we had something real. But if you think it's ridiculous, maybe I was wrong."

"Enid, that's not what I—" Wednesday started, but Enid couldn't bear to hear any more.

"I need some time to think," Enid said abruptly, ending the call before Wednesday could respond. She sat there for a moment, staring at her phone, the weight of the argument settling heavily on her chest.

The tears came then, hot and unchecked. She buried her face in her hands, feeling the raw sting of heartbreak. She had believed in their connection, in the bond they had formed over countless conversations and shared moments. But now, doubt crept in, making her question everything.

A soft knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Enid, it's Yoko. Can I come in?"

Enid wiped at her tears, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, come in."