Isla sat on her balcony, the cool evening air wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. She watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was beautiful, and yet, she felt an emptiness inside that overshadowed the moment.
Her phone buzzed again, and she almost didn't look. But she couldn't resist. It was Caleb.
Caleb: How's your evening?
She hesitated, her heart pounding at the prospect of letting him in, of sharing even the smallest part of herself. With a sigh, she typed back.
Isla: Just watching the sunset. You?
The response came quickly.
Caleb: Thinking about you. Do you want to talk?
Isla's chest tightened. She should say no; she should tell him she needed space. But she found herself typing again.
Isla: I'm not sure what to say.
His reply was immediate.
Caleb: You don't have to say anything. Just be yourself.
A knot formed in her stomach as she considered his words. Just be yourself. For so long, she had buried herself under layers of defence, convinced that who she was wasn't enough. But there was something about Caleb's unwavering patience that made her want to try.
Taking a deep breath, she finally replied.
Isla: Okay. I'll try.
She could almost feel Caleb's smile through the screen.
Caleb: Great! Want to meet up?
The idea terrified her. Being with him meant facing the truth of her emotions, something she had avoided for years. But something inside her—a flicker of hope—nudged her to say yes.
Isla: Sure. Where?
Caleb: How about that coffee shop on Main Street?
Isla glanced at the clock. It was getting late, but she knew she had to confront her fears.
Isla: I can be there in 20 minutes.
As she got dressed, memories began to surface—memories of her past relationships, the echoes of heartache that had shaped her. She remembered the boy who had promised her the world and then vanished without a trace, leaving only confusion and betrayal in his wake. And then there was the man who had sworn he loved her, only to betray her trust in the cruellest way possible.
The thought of those moments felt like a weight on her chest, but she shook her head, pushing the memories aside. Tonight was about Caleb. It was about choosing to step out of her darkness, even if it terrified her.
The coffee shop was warm and inviting, filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. As Isla entered, she spotted Caleb at a corner table, his eyes lighting up when he saw her. He waved, and her heart raced as she approached.
"Hey," she said, forcing a smile as she sat down.
"Hey. You look nice," he replied, and she felt a blush creep across her cheeks.
"Thanks. I—uh, just threw something on."
"Whatever you say," he grinned, leaning back in his chair. "What do you want to drink?"
YOU ARE READING
Into her Darkness
Roman d'amour"Into her Darkness" Isla Donovan has spent years building walls around her heart, convinced she is too difficult, too broken to be loved. After countless disappointments and failed relationships, she has sworn off love, choosing isolation over vulne...
