ᴇᴄʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ

Chapter 15: Fragments of Friendship

Avy's POV

The tension in the air was almost suffocating as we pulled into the driveway. I could see Izuko's expression as she got out of the car, her shoulders slumped like she was carrying the weight of the world. I exchanged a glance with Nya, and we both knew this was far from over. Something was eating at Izuko, and it was clear it had to do with Sarah.

"Hey, Izu," I called out, stepping out of the car behind her. "You want to talk? You know I'm here for you, right?"

She paused but didn't turn around, her silence speaking volumes. It frustrated me that she was going through this alone when I could see how much it hurt her. I just wished she could open up more.

As we walked to the front door, I remembered the good times we had shared. We'd laughed, shared secrets, and supported each other through everything. The thought of that fading because of some misunderstanding made my stomach twist.

Once inside, I tried to lighten the mood. "Okay, let's have a little 'us' time. I was thinking we could watch that new show together. You know, the one with all the drama and love triangles? It might take your mind off things."

Izuko managed a weak smile, but I could tell it didn't reach her eyes. "I don't think I'm up for it right now, Avy."

My heart sank. "You're not alone in this, you know. I just... I hate seeing you like this. It's not fair that Sarah is making you feel this way."

She shrugged, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I don't know what to do. It feels like everything is falling apart. I miss her, but I don't know how to fix it."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my own frustration. "You shouldn't have to fix this alone. Maybe you should talk to Sarah? Tell her how you feel. I know she cares about you."

Izuko shook her head. "But what if she doesn't want to talk to me? She said she needs space. What if I just make it worse?"

"That's the risk you take in friendship, Izu. Sometimes, you have to reach out and take that leap," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "You both deserve to be happy, and that won't happen if you're just avoiding each other."

The tension in the room felt thick, and I could see the internal struggle in Izuko's eyes. I knew how hard it was for her to confront her feelings, especially when she was so scared of being hurt again.

"I don't want to lose her, Avy. It's just so hard," she finally confessed, her voice trembling.

I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. "You won't lose her. Just be honest with her. You're both going through a tough time, but that doesn't mean it has to end this way."

Izuko leaned into me, and I felt her take a shaky breath. "You really think so?"

"I know so," I replied, pulling back to look her in the eyes. "You're one of the strongest people I know. You've faced so much already. This is just one more challenge, and I'll be here to help you through it."

As we sat together, I couldn't shake the feeling that this moment was a turning point. I wanted to support Izuko, but I also knew she had to make the choice to fight for her friendship with Sarah.

"Let's make a plan," I said, trying to inject some positivity into the moment. "We can work on what you want to say to her together. And if you need me to be there when you talk to her, I'll do it."

Izuko nodded slowly, her eyes brightening a little. "I'd like that. I just... I need to find the right words."

"Then we'll find them together," I promised, feeling a sense of hope rising in my chest. "Whatever happens, we've got each other's backs. That's what friends are for, right?"

The smile that finally broke through Izuko's sadness felt like a tiny victory. I knew this wasn't the end of their story, but the beginning of something new—something they both had to fight for.

As we settled in for the evening, I felt determined to help my best friend reclaim what was slipping away. I couldn't fix everything, but I could be there for her, every step of the way.