Her Love Is Traumatic

The Reunion

Alex sat quietly in his seat, staring out the window as the plane began its descent into New York. The city lights sparkled beneath him like stars scattered on the ground. His mind wandered back to the reason he was here—an interview with National Science Magazine. It wasn’t the first interview he’d had in recent years, but this one felt different. Perhaps it was the opportunity to share his research, or maybe it was simply because New York reminded him of a time long past.

He would be staying for a week, as his cousin Nicole had invited him to spend some time with her and her boyfriend. It was a much-needed break, or so she had said. Alex wasn’t sure he agreed. He had been aloof ever since Norah, his younger sister, had died. Her sudden death had shattered something in him. He had grown distant, avoiding family gatherings and outings with friends.

But if he were being honest with himself, it wasn’t just Norah’s death that had caused him to pull away. It was also Christine. Losing contact with her after everything had left a void in his life he couldn’t fill. He had thrown himself into books and work, drowning in research and studies, using them as an escape. He wasn’t interested in the real world anymore; it held too much pain.

Every now and then, Alex would take a glance at his phone’s wallpaper. Christine's beautiful face, her golden hair cascading down—it was that image that kept him going.

The plane landed with a gentle thud, pulling Alex from his thoughts. He gathered his things, pushed the memories back into the corner of his mind, and headed to his interview.

By the time the interview was over, the sky was tinged with hues of orange and pink. It had gone well, and Alex felt a sense of accomplishment, but the exhaustion was starting to set in. Just as he was about to head back to his temporary apartment, his cousin Nicole pulled up in her car, rolling down the window.

"Get in, Mr. Scientist! I’m taking you shopping," she said with a grin.

Alex sighed, opening the car door. "Shopping? I thought we were heading back to your place."

Nicole gave him a once-over, her nose wrinkling in mock disgust. "Not in that outfit, we’re not. You look like someone’s grandpa."

Alex glanced down at his attire—an old flannel shirt, worn jeans, and scuffed sneakers. "What’s wrong with this?"

Nicole let out an exaggerated groan. "Everything. You’re in New York, not some small-town farmers’ market. You need to look the part."

"Fine, but can we at least make it quick?" Alex muttered, already regretting his decision to stay with Nicole.

"Oh no, we’re doing this right," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

________________________

A couple of hours later, Alex stood in front of the dressing room mirror at a trendy mall, staring at his reflection. Nicole had somehow convinced him to trade in his old clothes for a white hoodie, baggy jeans, and a pair of Nike sneakers. He felt like a completely different person, and he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.

"Come on, admit it, you look so much better," Nicole said, admiring her handiwork. "You’re practically a model now."

Alex rolled his eyes. "I look like I’m trying too hard."

"You need to loosen up, bro," Nicole teased. "You’re in New York, have some fun."

"Speaking of fun, can we go home now?" Alex asked, but Nicole was already shaking her head.

"Oh no, not yet. We’re hitting a nightclub tonight," she said, pulling him toward the exit.

Alex groaned internally. The last thing he wanted was to spend the evening at a noisy club, but arguing with Nicole was a losing battle.