After Donna walked away, Robin stood there, the reality of Finney's departure hitting him harder with each passing second. He felt a knot in his chest, a mixture of frustration, hurt, and confusion swirling in his mind. Why hadn't Finney trusted him enough to say goodbye in person? Why did he feel like running was his only option?
Robin decided he couldn't just leave things unresolved. He couldn't bear the thought of never getting a chance to speak to Finney, to clear the air and understand why everything had spiraled so far.
That night, he paced around his room, restless. He pulled out his phone and stared at Finney's number, his thumb hovering over the call button. A part of him knew Finney wouldn't answer, but he tried anyway, dialing and holding his breath.
As expected, the call went straight to voicemail.
"Hey, it's me," Robin started, his voice quiet but tense. "I don't know if you'll listen to this, but... I just found out you're gone. I don't know why you didn't tell me. I guess... I'm just trying to understand. We were supposed to be friends, and now it feels like I don't know you at all. I don't know what's going on with you, but... I just want to talk. Call me back. Please."
He ended the call, feeling even more empty than before. Tossing the phone onto his bed, Robin sat down and put his head in his hands. He felt powerless, like everything between him and Finney was slipping away.
---
The next few days at school were a blur. Robin kept to himself, his thoughts consumed by what had happened. He didn't even notice the concerned looks from his friends or the way his sister, Elena, seemed to watch him closely, as if she knew something was wrong but didn't want to pry.
Then, one day, as Robin was walking down the hall between classes, he bumped into Gwen, Finney's sister. She looked up at him with surprise, and for a moment, there was an awkward silence between them. Robin could tell from the look in her eyes that she was just as hurt and confused as he was.
"Robin," she said softly, her voice unsure. "Have you heard anything from Finney?"
Robin shook his head, his expression grim. "No. Donna told me he left, but I have no idea where he went. He didn't even tell me."
Gwen sighed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, he didn't say much to me either. Just that he needed to get away." She hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't understand why he didn't say goodbye. To either of us."
"I don't get it either," Robin admitted, his frustration showing. "I mean, I thought we were close. I thought after everything, he'd at least talk to me. But now it feels like I don't even know him."
Gwen nodded slowly. "I think he's scared. He's been through a lot with our dad. Maybe he didn't know how to say what he needed to say."
Robin leaned against the locker, exhaling sharply. "I just wish he'd trusted me. It feels like he shut me out."
They stood there for a moment, both lost in their thoughts. Gwen glanced at Robin, sensing his hurt, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"He'll come around, Robin," she said gently. "Maybe when he's ready. I know Finney—he just needs time. But when he does come back, I think he'll want to make things right."
Robin nodded, though the ache in his chest didn't lessen. He wanted to believe Gwen, but the uncertainty gnawed at him.
---
A week later, Robin received a surprise. After a quiet evening at home, his phone buzzed with a message. He picked it up, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the name on the screen.
