THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Chapter 11: Across the Chasm

The weight of Kyou's silence pressed heavily on Kristel's heart. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had let him down, that she had taken their love for granted. She knew she had to reach out, to bridge the chasm that had opened between them.

She decided to write him a letter, pouring out her heart on paper. She wrote about her anxieties, her fears, her longing for him. She wrote about how much she valued their relationship, how much he meant to her. She wrote about her regrets, her mistakes, and her hope for a future together.

She knew that words alone wouldn't be enough. She needed to show Kyou how much she cared, how much she missed him. She decided to surprise him with a visit, a spontaneous trip back to his town, a chance to reconnect in person.

She booked a flight, packed a bag, and wrote him a note, telling him she was coming to see him. She knew it was a risk, a leap of faith, but she was willing to do anything to mend their broken connection.

When she arrived at his house, her heart pounded with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She knocked on the door, her hand trembling slightly.

The door opened, revealing Kyou's surprised face. He looked tired, his eyes red-rimmed, his expression a mix of confusion and relief.

"Kristel?" he said, his voice hoarse.

"Hi," she said, her voice trembling. "I wanted to see you."

He stepped back, allowing her to enter. She walked into the house, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. It felt like a lifetime ago that she had been here, that she had been in his arms, that she had felt his love.

"I know I've been neglecting you," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I've been so caught up in my own life, my own dreams, that I've forgotten about the person who matters most to me."

Kyou looked at her, his gaze intense. "I've been feeling so alone," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I missed you, Kristel. I missed your laughter, your warmth, your presence in my life."

Kristel's heart ached for him. She realized that she had been so focused on her own happiness that she had forgotten about his. She had taken their love for granted, assuming that it would always be there, no matter what.

She reached out and took his hand, her touch gentle, her eyes filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I'll never let you feel alone again."

Kyou looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and hope. He knew that their relationship had been tested, that they had faced a difficult challenge. But he also knew that their love was strong, that they were determined to make it work.