Her Love Is Traumatic

The Quiet Awakening

The next morning, Christine woke up to her phone buzzing with notifications. Her eyes were still heavy from last night’s tears, and she blinked as her vision adjusted to the bright screen. Several messages from Lara. She clicked on the notifications, her heart heavy with a mix of hope and dread. But as she scrolled through the messages, it became clear that they were filled with more anger and resentment.

How could you?
You really chose him over me.

The words cut through her like a knife. Christine clenched her jaw, her fingers trembling as she scrolled. Lara was angry—more than angry—and the messages were filled with bitterness. She deleted the texts without replying, feeling the weight of disappointment and frustration settle in her chest.

“I’ve done nothing but be a good friend to her,” Christine muttered to herself, shaking her head in disbelief. How could Lara think so little of her after all this time? She felt the sting of betrayal, but she pushed it aside. She had other things to focus on—her happiness, her growth. But it was easier said than done.

At school, Christine managed to avoid any encounters with Lara, but it didn’t make her feel any better. Her mind kept replaying their conversation, and she couldn’t shake the sadness that clung to her. She felt like she was walking through a fog, unable to concentrate in class, her thoughts constantly drifting.

By lunch break, she found herself sitting alone at a corner table in the canteen. She absentmindedly pushed her food around on the tray, lost in thought, when a familiar voice pulled her back to reality.

“Hey, Chris, mind if I join you?” Alex asked, his voice warm and gentle.

Christine looked up, surprised but grateful for the company. “Yeah, sure,” she said, trying to force a smile. She wanted to feel better—she wanted to enjoy his presence—but the weight of the day still lingered.

“Kay, that’s what most of my friends call me,” she added, hoping to make the moment a little lighter. “You can call me that too if you want.”

Alex grinned and shook his head slightly. “I like Chris better. It suits your personality. Besides, it’s special when only I get to call you that, isn’t it?”

His words sent a flutter through Christine’s stomach. Special... he wants to be special to me, she thought, her heart skipping a beat. She felt warmth rising to her cheeks and quickly nodded. “Yeah, it’s nice. You can call me that.”

But Alex wasn’t one to miss subtle changes in someone’s mood. His eyes lingered on Christine for a moment, concern clouding his usually relaxed expression. “You seem off today. Is everything alright?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine care.

Christine hesitated, not wanting to burden him with her troubles. She kept her gaze on the table, her fingers absentmindedly fidgeting with the edge of her tray. “I’m fine… just… tired,” she mumbled.

“Chris, don’t lie to me,” Alex said firmly, leaning in slightly. “Look at me and tell me what’s really going on.”

Reluctantly, Christine lifted her eyes to meet his. The concern etched in his face caught her off guard, and for a moment, all the noise in her head quieted. His light blue eyes seemed to hold her steady, like an anchor in the storm she was caught in. It was comforting—more than comforting. It felt safe.

Alex gently took her hand in his, enclosing it between his palms. The warmth of his touch sent a wave of calm through her, and suddenly, the knot in her chest loosened. All she wanted was to stay in that moment, his hands around hers, the warmth of his presence washing over her. She could tell him anything and he wouldn’t judge her. He would listen.