after the death of her mother, leighton's father sends her to a boarding school halfway across the world to be taught a lesson. she knows no one and no one knows her.
but the cherry on top is who her roommate is.
#2 in ptsdawareness
#2 in anxiety
#...
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! MAJOR trigger warning !
(this chapter CAN be skipped for your own safety 💗)
I sit on the edge of my bed, the dim light of my desk lamp casting long shadows on the walls. Pebbles is curled up beside me, her soft purrs vibrating against my thigh.
Thought after thought.
Tear after tear.
I reach for the stack of stationary I've been avoiding, my fingers trembling as I unfold the first sheet.
The words come slowly, painfully.
Each sentence feels like a dagger to my heart, cutting through the numbness I've been clinging to.
I start the first line.
Dear Bailey,
I don't really know how to start this haha!
There's so much I wish I could tell you, so much I wish I could change.
I want you to know that this isn't your fault.
I've tried so hard to be strong, but I'm just so tired. I'm tired of fighting every day, of pretending that everything is okay when it's not.
You've been my rock, and I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me.
I hope you remember the good times we had and know that they meant everything to me. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving. I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.
Love always,
Leighton
The tears fall freely now, smudging the ink as I try to keep my composure. I place the letter in an envelope, carefully writing Bailey's name on it.
Next, I turn to a letter for Kai. My hands shake more violently as I write, my heart aching at the thought of him.
My sweet boy,
I'm sorry. I wish I had the words to explain how much you mean to me, but I'm not sure I ever found the right way to say it.
You've been a light in my life, even when I felt like I was drowning. I know I haven't been the best at showing it, but I care about you more than you'll ever know.
Please take care of Pebbles.
She's been a comfort to me, and I know she'll need someone to love her as much as I do. I'm sorry for any pain my leaving will cause you. It was never my intention to hurt you. I hope you can find happiness, even if it's without me.
I love you so much my love ♡
Leighton
With a final, shuddering breath, I fold the letter and slip it into its envelope.
