fractured lines

Chapter 13: Diverging Paths

The following weeks were a blur for Neill. With each passing day, he focused on rediscovering himself, embracing his independence. He threw himself into work and reconnected with hobbies he had neglected. But no matter how hard he tried, Hezkiell's presence lingered in his mind, a shadow that refused to fade.

Neill often met with Sarah, who became his sounding board during this tumultuous time. She was relentless in her encouragement, urging him to explore new experiences and perspectives.

One evening, they decided to join a local art class, hoping to spark some creativity in Neill. As they painted together, the vibrant colors began to lift Neill's spirits, and for a moment, he felt free.

"You've got a real talent for this," Sarah said, stepping back to admire Neill's canvas, a mix of blues and greens swirling together.

"Thanks! It's surprisingly therapeutic," Neill replied, smiling genuinely for the first time in weeks.

"See? You just needed a little distraction," Sarah teased, nudging him playfully.

But even amidst the laughter and creativity, Neill's thoughts kept drifting back to Hezkiell. He knew he had to confront his feelings again, to gain closure or clarity.

As he finished his painting, he resolved to reach out to Hezkiell once more.

The next day, Neill sent a text.

**"Can we talk? I think I need to clear the air."**

He waited, his heart racing as he anticipated Hezkiell's response.

**"Of course. When and where?"**

They agreed to meet at the park again, the same spot where they had their last conversation. Neill arrived early, anxiety gnawing at him as he replayed their past interactions in his mind.

When Hezkiell finally arrived, Neill felt a mix of warmth and apprehension. They exchanged awkward smiles before settling onto a nearby bench.

"Thanks for coming," Neill said, his voice steady despite his nerves.

"Of course. I've been thinking about you," Hezkiell replied, a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.

"I've been thinking a lot too," Neill began, searching for the right words. "I know we agreed to take a step back, but I feel like we need to be honest about what that means."

Hezkiell nodded, his expression serious. "I agree. I've realized that being apart has made me miss you more than I expected."

"Missing someone doesn't necessarily mean you're ready for a relationship," Neill pointed out, his heart racing. "I need to know if you truly see a future for us or if this is just nostalgia."

Hezkiell hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "I want to be honest. I see the potential, but I'm still not sure I'm ready to dive into a relationship. I don't want to hurt you by dragging you along."

Neill felt a pang in his chest. "Then maybe we should just be friends, at least for now. I need to protect my heart."

Hezkiell's expression fell, and for a moment, they both sat in silence, the weight of their unspoken feelings pressing down on them.

"Can I ask you something?" Hezkiell finally said, breaking the stillness.

"Of course."

"If I were ready—truly ready—would you want to be together?" His question hung in the air, heavy with implications.

Neill's heart raced at the thought. "Yes, I would. But I can't keep waiting for that 'if.' I need to focus on myself right now."

Hezkiell nodded, the disappointment evident in his eyes. "I understand. I just don't want to lose what we have."

"Me neither," Neill said softly, feeling the ache of their situation. "But I think it's best if we give each other some space to grow."

"Okay," Hezkiell replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll respect that."

As they parted ways, Neill felt a bittersweet sense of relief wash over him. It wasn't the resolution he had hoped for, but at least they had been honest. They were at a crossroads, and he knew it was time to focus on himself, to embrace the unknown and see where it led.