Transcending To You

Chapter 29: THE CHOICES OF A SLAVE

As it often happens, the good days slipped by like sand through fingers, leaving only memories in their wake. And so, the time came to lead Bright and Win to the doors of the airport, where another chapter of their intertwined lives would briefly close.

Bright had to depart, and Win, ever the faithful partner, came to bid him goodbye. After checking in his baggage, Bright walked over to where Win stood, waiting with a mix of sadness and resignation written in his eyes.

"It's all done," Bright said, his voice light but laced with the weight of their impending separation.

Win nodded, though the sadness in his heart was impossible to hide. "Take good care of yourself. Eat on time, try to sleep on time," he advised, his concern for Bright shining through every word.

Bright's smile was soft, tinged with affection. "Not sure about the sleep," he replied, a chuckle escaping his lips. "My sleeping pill is going to be far from me." He paused, the humor fading into something more tender. "I think I've gotten addicted to you."

Win's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "Well, if that's the case, don't forget to at least call me once," he warned, his tone half-serious, half-playful.

Bright pulled Win into a tight embrace, the warmth of the moment only heightening the ache of their parting. "Go home safely," he murmured, "and come see me soon."

Win nodded, but his heart was heavy, burdened by the imminent loneliness. "Safe journey," he whispered, barely able to voice the words. "I love you."

"Yes," Bright replied softly, acknowledging the depth of Win's emotions with a gentle kiss on his neck.

With a final glance, Bright turned and walked through the doors, leaving Win standing alone, watching him disappear into the distance. The sight of Bright fading from view was like a knife to his heart, cutting deeper with every step.

As Win made his way back to the car, the solitude engulfed him. He sat in the driver's seat, staring at the empty spot beside him where Bright had so often sat. Before he could start the car, his emotions betrayed him, and tears streamed down his face. "I'm so alone without you by my side," he whispered, his voice choked with sorrow.

In a moment of raw vulnerability, Win took a picture of the empty car seat and posted it in black and white, the absence of color mirroring the void in his heart.

Bright, already seated on the plane, felt the familiar buzz of his phone. Seeing Win's post, he immediately replied, "Drive safely. I am always beside you 😘"

Bright understood the hollow feeling that accompanied every goodbye, the ache of parting from the one who held his heart. Moments later, as he settled into his seat, he directed his phone towards the sky and snapped a picture of the clouds and posted it, also in black and white, the vast expanse of the sky symbolizing the distance now between them.

Win was nearly home when his phone rang. Seeing Bright's name on the screen, he answered quickly. "You boarded?" he asked, his voice tinged with the emptiness that had settled over him.

"Yeah. You reached?" Bright inquired, his tone warm, trying to bridge the gap between them.

"Yes," Win replied softly, staring at the emptiness of his home. "But it's all too empty without you."

Bright nodded, his eyes reflecting the understanding and concern he felt for Win. "I know it's going to be tough for a while," he said softly. "But go to the office, give it your all. May all the beautiful things in life be with you, and may they help you change everything you want to, one step at a time. There's no need to compromise on anything. I'll let you know as soon as I reach."