Her Love Is Traumatic

Finding Home

Christine returned from her classes, feeling drained and needing a break from the constant swirl of thoughts crowding her mind. She grabbed a cup of coffee, her earphones, and headed towards the terrace. The cool evening breeze brushed against her face as she made her way up the stairs, her heart heavy with everything that had transpired recently.

Once on the terrace, she found a quiet corner, settled into one of the chairs, and stared out at the horizon. She took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill her lungs, but the heaviness inside her refused to lift. Sipping her coffee, she tried to make sense of everything that had happened. Was she losing herself in all of this? That was the question that kept gnawing at her. She felt like she was being pulled in so many directions—Lara’s possessiveness, Alex's disappearance from her life, and now this strange, yet intriguing connection with Kate.

Who am I anymore? she wondered. She used to know. She used to feel sure of herself. But now, with all these new complications, she felt like her identity was slowly slipping away, like she was being reshaped by everyone around her—especially by Lara.

Christine couldn't understand why Lara had become so different. Things used to be so good. They had laughed together, shared secrets, dreams, and fears. They were inseparable. But now? Now it felt like every interaction was a battle, every word a potential landmine. Was it because of Lara's sexuality? Was she frustrated, confused, maybe even ashamed? Christine couldn’t help but wonder if Lara’s growing jealousy was tied to her own internal struggles.

Maybe she feels different, like she doesn’t belong? Christine thought, her heart aching for her friend. Maybe I should try to get along with Kate's "girlfriend" joke. Maybe if she played along with Kate’s flirty banter, Lara would feel less threatened, more comfortable. Maybe it would encourage Lara to open up and finally confess her feelings to Bella. Christine knew Lara liked Bella, but it felt like Lara’s emotions were spilling over into something more dangerous—something that could ruin her life. I don't want that for her. Christine didn’t want to lose Lara to her insecurities and fear of rejection.

Christine was lost in her thoughts when she suddenly heard the soft sound of someone sobbing. She turned her head, looking around the terrace, and saw a girl sitting alone in the far corner. She wore a knee-length frock, her hair framing her tear-streaked face as she cried quietly, thinking no one would notice her.

Christine’s heart went out to the girl. She stood up, walking over slowly so as not to startle her. “Hey,” Christine said softly, kneeling down and offering her hand. “You okay?”

The girl looked up, her big, innocent eyes filled with tears. She wiped her face quickly, embarrassed to have been caught crying. “Hi,” Christine said again, her voice gentle. “I’m Christine. And you?”

The girl sniffled, her voice small and delicate. “Rosemarie,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Nice to meet you, Rose. Mind if I sit?” Christine asked, and when Rose nodded, she settled down beside her, concern etched on her face. “What’s wrong? You seem pretty upset.”

Rose’s lip quivered as she tried to hold back another wave of tears. “I just… I just moved here, and I already miss my parents so much. And my dog, and my friends… It’s just really hard, you know? I feel so lonely here.” She wiped her nose with the sleeve of her frock, trying to steady herself.

Christine’s heart broke a little at the sight of her. She remembered her first few weeks in the dorms—the same loneliness, the same sense of disconnection. Without thinking, Christine put an arm around Rose’s shoulder and pulled her into a soft, protective hug. “Hey, it’s okay to miss them. But you’re not alone here. You can make a small family here too. You can count on me, okay? I can be your big sister, and you can always come to me whenever you feel like this.”