The days after the trip passed in a blur. Life went back to its usual rhythm—classes, work, friends—but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted. The memories of the weekend stayed with me, constantly replaying in my mind. The laughter, the warmth, and the closeness I’d shared with Martinus all felt so vivid, but also distant now that we were back in our separate worlds.
True to his word, Martinus called me the day after we got back, and we talked for hours about everything and nothing. It was easy, effortless, like we’d slipped back into our own little world, even though we were miles apart. But as the days turned into a week, and then two, it started to get harder.
His schedule was packed with rehearsals and studio time, while I had exams looming and my own responsibilities piling up. We texted throughout the day, short messages here and there, but I couldn’t help but notice the growing gaps between our conversations. The excitement of the weekend had been replaced by the reality of our busy lives.
One evening, after another long day, I sat at my desk, staring at my phone, waiting for a message that didn’t come. I knew he was probably busy, but the silence felt heavier than usual. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the beginning of the distance we’d both feared.
A soft knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts. “Come in,” I called.
Emma poked her head in, her bright energy a stark contrast to my mood. “Hey! How’s it going?”
I forced a smile, trying to shake off the gloom. “Hey, Em. Just… tired, I guess.”
She stepped inside, flopping onto my bed. “Tired or missing someone?”
I sighed, dropping my phone onto the desk. “Maybe both.”
Emma gave me a sympathetic look. “I figured. You’ve been kind of quiet since we got back. How are things with Martinus?”
“They’re fine, I guess,” I replied, though the uncertainty in my voice was clear. “It’s just hard, you know? We’re both so busy, and I barely get to talk to him.”
Emma nodded, understanding flashing in her eyes. “Yeah, long-distance is no joke. But you two seemed so solid at the cabin. I’m sure it’ll get better once things calm down for both of you.”
“I hope so,” I said quietly, biting my lip. “I just can’t shake this feeling that we’re already drifting apart.”
Emma frowned. “Have you talked to him about it?”
I shook my head. “Not really. I don’t want to seem needy, or like I’m pressuring him. I know he’s got a lot going on.”
“But you have feelings too,” Emma pointed out. “It’s not about being needy. It’s about being honest. If you’re feeling this way, you should tell him.”
I knew she was right, but the thought of bringing it up made me anxious. What if he didn’t feel the same? What if he was fine with the way things were, and I was the only one struggling?
“I’ll think about it,” I said, offering Emma a small smile.
She sat up, giving me a knowing look. “You’re overthinking it. Just talk to him. You guys are good together, but communication is everything.”
With that, she gave me a quick hug and left me alone with my thoughts.
---
Later that night, as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my phone buzzed beside me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Martinus’s name light up the screen.
Martinus: Hey, sorry I’ve been MIA. Been swamped with rehearsals. How are you?
I hesitated for a moment before typing back.
Y/N: It’s okay. I get it. I’m good, just busy with exams. How’s everything going on your end?
There was a pause, and I could almost picture him on the other side, probably exhausted from his day.
Martinus: It’s been hectic. But I miss you. A lot.
His message made my heart flutter, but the distance still lingered in the back of my mind.
Y/N: I miss you too.
I stared at the screen, wondering if I should say more. Should I tell him how I was really feeling? That the growing silence between us was making me anxious? But before I could type anything else, another message came through.
Martinus: I’ve been thinking about us. About how to make this work. I don’t want the distance to mess things up.
His words caught me off guard. He was feeling it too.
Y/N: I’ve been thinking about that too. I don’t want to lose what we have, but it’s hard being apart.
Another pause, and then his reply.
Martinus: I know. But I’m not giving up on us. We’ll figure it out, I promise. Once things slow down, I’ll come see you, okay? We’ll make time for each other.
His message brought a wave of relief, like a weight had been lifted off my chest. He wasn’t pulling away—he was just as committed to this as I was. I could feel the sincerity in his words, and it gave me hope.
Y/N: I’d like that. I just want to make sure we’re not losing what we have.
Martinus: We won’t. I’m not going anywhere, Y/N. You mean too much to me.
I smiled at his words, feeling the warmth of his reassurance. Maybe the distance wasn’t as insurmountable as I thought. Maybe we could really make this work, as long as we stayed honest with each other.
Y/N: Okay. We’ll figure it out together.
The conversation ended on a lighter note, and for the first time in days, I felt like things might actually be okay. We weren’t drifting apart—we were just navigating the challenges of being in different places, both physically and in our lives. But we were still in this together, and that was what mattered.
As I drifted off to sleep, I held onto that thought. Martinus and I weren’t giving up on each other. And maybe, just maybe, the distance between us wasn’t as big as it seemed.
