When We Were Stanger

Echoes of the Heart

November 9th, 2021

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I stirred under the covers, the remnants of sleep still clinging to me as I slowly opened my eyes. The events of the previous night came rushing back, the emotions still raw and fresh. I could still feel the sting of tears on my cheeks, the lingering ache in my chest from pouring my heart out into the journal.

But there was also a sense of resolve that hadn't been there before—a determination to face what lay ahead with courage and clarity. Today was a new day, and despite the heaviness that still weighed on me, I knew I couldn't let it paralyze me. I had classes to attend, friends to meet, and most importantly, I had to figure out where I stood with Thomas.

As I got ready for the day, my mind kept circling back to their conversation in the café. Thomas's words had struck a chord with me, forcing me to confront the reality I had been avoiding for so long. I couldn't continue living in the shadow of my feelings for Jace, not if I wanted to give my relationship with Thomas a real chance.

But how could I let go of something that had been a part of me for so long? How could I erase the image of Jace from my mind when he had become such a central figure in my life, even if only in my thoughts?

I sighed as I tied my hair into a loose ponytail, my reflection in the mirror looking back at me with weary eyes. I was tired—tired of the confusion, the guilt, the constant tug-of-war between my heart and my mind. I needed to find a way to move forward, to make peace with m ypast so I could embrace the present.

After a quick breakfast, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. The crisp autumn air greeted me as she stepped outside, the leaves crunching underfoot as I made her way across campus. The familiar sights and sounds of university life surrounded me, offering a small comfort amidst the turmoil I felt inside.

The first class of the day was a lecture on communication theory, a subject I usually enjoyed. But today, the words of the professor seemed distant, like they were coming from somewhere far away. I tried to focus, taking notes and nodding along with the discussion, but my mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Thomas, replaying it over and over again in my head.

By the time the lecture ended, I felt exhausted, as if I had been running a marathon in my mind. I gathered my things and headed for the door, hoping a walk around campus would help clear my thoughts.

As I wandered through the quad, I spotted Thomas sitting on a bench near the library, his attention focused on a sketchbook in his lap. He looked up as I approached, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, Rochelle," he greeted me, his voice carrying that familiar note of kindness. "How's your morning been?"

"It's been... okay," I replied, returning his smile with a tentative one of my own. "Just trying to get through the day."

"Mind if I join you?" Thomas asked, gesturing to the empty space on the bench beside him.

"Of course," I said, sitting down next to him. I felt a strange mix of comfort and anxiety being around Thomas, knowing that our relationship was at a crossroads.

We sat in silence for a moment, the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves above them filling the space between us. I glanced at the sketchbook in Thomas's lap, noticing the intricate lines and shapes he had been working on.

"That looks amazing," I said, nodding toward the sketch. "You're so talented, Thomas."

"Thanks," he replied, his smile widening. "It's just something I like to do when I need to clear my head. It helps me focus, you know?"