I will love you from afar

Chapter: 8

After the call with her father, Sam felt a surge of emotions she hadn't allowed herself to feel in years. The anger had faded, replaced by a deep sense of nostalgia and regret. She couldn't stop thinking about Alex, about the past they shared, and about the bracelet Alex had been wearing during the interview—the same one Sam had thought was just a coincidence.

She walked over to her dresser, her hands trembling slightly as she opened the top drawer. Buried beneath a few old letters and mementos was the other half of the friendship bracelet she had shared with Alex all those years ago. It was a simple bracelet, with a half-moon charm that matched the one Alex had been wearing.

Sam picked it up, the weight of the small piece of jewelry feeling heavier than it should. She had kept it all these years, even when she tried to convince herself that she had moved on. It had always been there, a reminder of the bond they once shared, and the pain of their sudden separation.

Holding the bracelet, Sam felt tears prick at her eyes. The memories of their childhood came flooding back—running through the streets, playing in the rain, sharing secrets, and making promises they believed would last forever. The bracelet was supposed to symbolize their unbreakable friendship, a connection that time and distance couldn't sever. But life had taken them in different directions, and the connection had frayed.

She sat on the edge of her bed, clutching the bracelet tightly. A part of her had always wondered if Alex had kept her half, and seeing it on Alex's wrist today had stirred something deep within her. The anger she had felt was a defense mechanism, a way to protect herself from the hurt she had buried for so long.

Now, as she looked at the bracelet, she realized that maybe there was still a chance to mend what was broken. Maybe, just maybe, the bond they had once shared could be rekindled, if they were both willing to try.

With a deep breath, Sam made a decision. She wasn't ready to forgive Alex entirely, not yet, but she couldn't ignore the pull of the past, or the hope that they might be able to find their way back to each other. She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, the cool metal of the half-moon charm resting against her skin, a silent promise to herself that she wouldn't let fear or anger keep her from at least trying to heal the wounds of the past.

Sam knew it wouldn't be easy. There were still a lot of unresolved feelings, and it would take time to rebuild the trust that had been lost. But for the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope—hope that maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to move forward together.

After the emotional turmoil of the interview and the encounter with Alex, Sam found herself unable to focus on anything else. Her mind kept drifting back to the past, to the pain of their separation, and to the unresolved feelings she had pushed aside for so long. It became clear to her that she needed time—a break from the constant demands of her career, from the spotlight, and from her hectic schedule.

The next morning, Sam made a decision. She contacted her manager, letting them know she needed some time off.

"Hey, I know this is sudden," Sam began on the phone, "but I need to request a break. I've wrapped up all my major projects, and I just... I need some time for myself."

Her manager, surprised but understanding, responded, "Sam, you've been working non-stop for months. I think a break might actually be good for you. You've more than earned it. How much time are we talking about?"

"I'm not sure yet," Sam replied, her voice thoughtful. "A few weeks, maybe longer. I just need to figure some things out."

"Take the time you need," her manager said. "We'll keep things running smoothly here, and when you're ready, we'll pick up where we left off."