Jennie sank deeper into the warm, fragrant water of the bathtub, allowing the soothing heat to envelop her. The gentle ripples danced around her as she closed her eyes, letting her mind wander through the events of the past few years. The memories washed over her like waves—both uplifting and overwhelming—each one tugging at her heart.
Just as she began to lose herself in thought, her phone rang, interrupting the moment. With a heavy sigh, she opened her eyes, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she reached for the phone and answered, "Hey, Dad."
"Jennie," her father's voice came through, authoritative yet tinged with concern. "Have you done everything I asked? I want to make sure everything is in order before you leave tomorrow."
"Yes, Dad. I've taken care of it all," she replied, feeling like a robot, just going through the motions of the conversation. Each word felt rehearsed, devoid of emotion, as she simply nodded to his demands.
"Good. I want you to be prepared for this new chapter in your life. Remember, you need to be focused and ready to move on," he said, his tone almost clinical.
"yes dad", Jennie said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Well then, make sure you get some rest. You have a life to start again," her father concluded, his words hanging in the air like an unwelcome cloud.
Jennie felt a lump form in her throat as the call ended. She placed the phone down beside her, staring at the water rippling gently. A life to start again? The phrase echoed in her mind, mixing with her feelings of sadness and frustration.
As she leaned back, her thoughts drifted again, now filled with uncertainty. She wished for guidance, for support—someone to reassure her that everything would be okay. But in that moment, all she could do was sit in silence, letting the warmth of the water surround her as she faced the reality of her situation.
Seeking a distraction from the weight of her father's words, Jennie picked up her phone and began scrolling through her backed-up gallery. Each image was a window to the past, a glimpse into moments that once brought her genuine happiness. As she flicked through the photos, she felt a bittersweet warmth enveloping her heart.
A smile crept across her face as she revisited memories—birthdays, trips with friends, and lazy afternoons spent laughing. But then her finger paused over a particular image that made her breath catch in her throat. It was a selfie of her and Lisa from their college days, both of them grinning ear to ear, carefree and full of life. They looked so happy, their eyes sparkling with shared joy.
In that instant, guilt washed over Jennie like a cold wave. Memories of how she had distanced herself from Lisa and their friends came flooding back. She remembered the late-night talks, the plans they had for the future, and the bond they once shared. Now, that bond felt fractured, and the weight of her decisions pressed heavily on her chest.
A lump formed in her throat, and despite her best efforts to hold back her tears, they began to spill down her cheeks. Jennie quickly put her phone away, unable to bear the reminder of the pain she felt inside. She hugged her knees to her chest, allowing herself to cry freely, the sorrow of lost connections and unfulfilled dreams escaping in quiet sobs.
As the tears flowed, Jennie let her emotions out, releasing the frustration and heartache that had been building inside her.
---
Lisa blinked against the light, quickly pushing herself up and stretching her limbs. The familiar routine kicked in as she shuffled to the bathroom to freshen up. Today marked the last day of finishing her project and tomorrow, would be the main event. She felt a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling within her.
